Clock · Pillar clock (hashira dokei)

Hashira Dokei Japanese Pillar Clock

Partially verified

This Japanese pillar clock (hashira dokei) is catalogued by the auction house as dating to circa 1840 and is mounted on a footed wooden base. The auctioneer notes it was designed to measure temporal daylight hours using adjustable seasonal markers on the throat. The wooden case features an engraved and pierced front plate, an integral key, and circular crest emblems around the glazed hood. Below the movement chamber, the vertical scale displays curved temporal calibration lines and Japanese characters, traversed by an adjustable pointer.

Japanese pillar clock (hashira dokei) on wooden plinth, circa 1840 — Kamelot Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Clock · Pillar clock (hashira dokei)
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 111
Source-reported date: c. 1840
Country: Japan

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Form and Physical Construction

The object is catalogued as a Japanese pillar clock (hashira dokei) configured 'on base' with dimensions given as 22 inches high, 7 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. The auction listing describes it as having a 'richly decorated case', while visible observation documents an elongated vertical wooden pillar trunk supported on a raised rectangular footed plinth.

Observation of the exterior surfaces reveals that the trunk face is ornamented with gold-toned chrysanthemum-like mon crests and character seals. A glazed upper movement chamber encases the brass gearing and mechanical wheelwork.

Evidence for this section

“hashira dokei (Japanese pillar clock) on base”
“richly decorated case”
“Ht: 22" Width: 7" Depth: 6"”

Front Plate, Scale, and Timekeeping Indication

The description notes that the clock features an 'engraved and pierced front plate' and an 'integral key'. According to the auctioneer, clocks of this style 'were used to measure temporal hours (daylight) and as such have adjustable seasonal markers on throat.'

Visual examination confirms a scale plate below the movement chamber inscribed with vertical and curved seasonal lines alongside Japanese characters, traversed by a horizontal bar pointer.

Evidence for this section

“Having a beautifully engraved and pierced front plate integral key”
“These clocks were used to measure temporal hours (daylight) and as such have adjustable seasonal markers on throat.”

Dating and Mechanical Uncertainty

The clock was offered with a catalogue attribution of 'circa 1840'. However, no maker signatures, workshop marks, or production inscriptions are documented in the source text, leaving this period designation unverified.

Although the internal brass wheelwork is visible through the glazed casing, the source material does not provide a condition report or assessment of gear completeness, running condition, or weight-drive assembly integrity.

Evidence for this section

“circa 1840”
“Conditions of Sale Except as stated in the Limited Warranty in paragraph 5 below, all property is sold "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind by Kamelot or the seller.”

Open research questions

Are there any concealed maker marks, signatures, or dates engraved on the brass movement plates or behind the wooden trunk casing?
Is the internal weight, cord, and driving assembly present and intact within the trunk cavity?
What specific Japanese characters and seasonal divisions are inscribed along the temporal scale plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hashira Dokei Japanese Pillar Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Type	Hashira dokei (Japanese pillar clock)	“hashira dokei (Japanese pillar clock)”
Circa Date	circa 1840	“circa 1840”
Front Plate	Engraved and pierced front plate	“Having a beautifully engraved and pierced front plate”
Function	Measures temporal hours with adjustable seasonal markers	“These clocks were used to measure temporal hours (daylight) and as such have adjustable seasonal markers on throat.”
Dimensions	22" H x 7" W x 6" D	“Ht: 22" Width: 7" Depth: 6"”
Front Plate Construction	Pierced and engraved front plate with integral key	“Having a beautifully engraved and pierced front plate integral key”

Visible details

Vertical pillar wooden trunk mounted on a raised rectangular footed plinth.
Glazed upper movement chamber showing internal brass gearing and wheelwork.
Trunk face decorated with gold-toned chrysanthemum-like mon crests and character seals.
Scale plate inscribed with vertical and curved seasonal lines along with Japanese characters, fitted with a horizontal bar pointer.

Research qualifications

Attribution to circa 1840 is source-reported and not verified by maker markings.
No maker or workshop signatures are recorded in the catalogue description.
Internal mechanical condition and completeness are not documented.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: HASHIRA DOKEI JAPANESE PILLAR CLOCK C.1840

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record c7f84acef0

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.