An engraved brass makura-dokei. Japanese Bracket clock. YY-72.

This mid-19th-century bracket clock, or makura-dokei, is mounted in a decorative wooden case made of rosewood. The case is elevated on four fancifully formed ogee bracket feet. These are positioned at a forty-five-degree angle from the rectangular structure of the case. This positioning has an interesting effect on the form. The case is fitted with large glass panels on all four sides. This allows excellent visual access to the clockwork and its frame. The back panel is designed to slide upwards to access the clock.

Turned and shaped pillars are vertically positioned and fitted into each of the four corners. The movement is framed with brass plates. Both of which are skillfully engraved with floral patterns. Four shaped and ring-turned posts support the brass plates, supporting the steel arbors and gearing. The movement is designed with a verge and balance wheel escapement located at the top of the works. It is spring-powered and, as the tradition of the form, runs approximately 30 hours fully wound. The time side features a fusee cone, and a chain connects this to the spring barrel. The strike train is also spring-powered by a going barrel. A traditional Japanese count-wheel is mounted on the outside of the backplate. This clock strikes a bell mounted above the works with a torsioned hammer.

The recessed dial features a rotating chapter ring with adjustable markers for the Temporal hours. These are engraved and treated with a silver finish. Shokudo markers are used for the ½ positions. The time is read against a fixed steel hand. 

This case measures approximately 9 inches (23 cm) in height, 7 (18 cm) inches wide, and 4.75 inches deep.

Inventory number YY-72