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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Astronomical compendium

Multi-dial brass and silvered astronomical compendium

Partially verified

This multi-dial astronomical compendium is constructed from brass and silvered metal, dated by the auction house to the 18th or 19th century. Built as a cylindrical tiered case decorated with an acid-etched pattern, it comprises five compartments holding eight dials in total. The source reports that its dials display moon phases, high and low tides, a sundial, a compass, and astrological plates designed for horoscopes and fortune-telling regarding auspicious and inauspicious days. At its base, a cartouche features incised characters reading Masanori, which the catalog notes as probably the maker's name.

Disassembled tiers of the astronomical compendium showing dials and acid-etched case sections
Disassembled tiers of the astronomical compendium showing dials and acid-etched case sections — Lempertz. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.lempertz.com
Category
Tool · Astronomical compendium
Maker / attribution
Masanori
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
915
Source-reported date
18th/19th century
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

Construction and Exterior Decoration

The object is described as a cylindrical tiered case composed of five compartments. The exterior is finished with an acid-etched pattern. The construction includes circular brass sections featuring rope-twist borders on the bezels.

Small numerical tags, specifically '4' and '5', are present on the brass cylindrical rims.

Evidence for this section
  • “The cylindrical tiered case decorated all over with an acid-etched pattern, consisting of five compartments”
  • “Circular brass sections with rope-twist bezel borders”
  • “Acid-etched mottle-patterned exterior on brass cylindrical rims labeled with small number tags 4 and 5”

Dial Configuration and Functional Scope

The compendium contains eight dials total. The dials feature silvered metal surfaces engraved with kanji characters, tidal wave motifs, and depictions of a sun or moon disc.

The instrument is reported to include functions for tracking moon phases, high and low tides, a compass, and a sundial. Additionally, it contains astrological plates intended for horoscopes and fortune-telling concerning auspicious and inauspicious days.

Evidence for this section
  • “consisting of five compartments with eight dials in all showing phases of the moon with high and low tides, a compass, sundial, astrological plates for horoscopes and fortune telling regarding auspicious and inauspicious days.”
  • “Engraved silvered dial faces displaying kanji characters, tidal wave motifs, and a sun or moon disc”

Attribution and Dating

A cartouche on the base contains incised characters reading 'Masanori', which the source identifies as the probable name of the maker.

The object is dated to the 18th or 19th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “At the base a cartouche with incised characters Masanori, probably the maker's name.”
  • “18th/19th century”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical relationship between the five compartments and the eight total dials?
  • Do the numerical tags '4' and '5' indicate a specific assembly order or a functional hierarchy?
  • Can the 'Masanori' attribution be corroborated through research into 18th or 19th-century Japanese horological makers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Multi-dial brass and silvered astronomical compendium
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case constructionCylindrical tiered case decorated with an acid-etched pattern, consisting of five compartments“The cylindrical tiered case decorated all over with an acid-etched pattern, consisting of five compartments with eight dials in all”
Dials and functionsEight dials displaying moon phases, tides, compass, sundial, and astrological plates“showing phases of the moon with high and low tides, a compass, sundial, astrological plates for horoscopes and fortune telling regarding auspicious and inauspicious days.”
Maker inscriptionIncised cartouche with characters Masanori on the base“At the base a cartouche with incised characters Masanori, probably the maker's name.”
DimensionsHeight 10.3 cm, diameter 8.9 cm“Height 10.3 cm; diameter 8.9 cm”
Physical Dimensions10.3 cm high; 8.9 cm diameter“Height 10.3 cm; diameter 8.9 cm”

Visible details

  • Circular brass sections with rope-twist bezel borders
  • Engraved silvered dial faces displaying kanji characters, tidal wave motifs, and a sun or moon disc
  • Acid-etched mottle-patterned exterior on brass cylindrical rims labeled with small number tags 4 and 5

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Masanori is based on an incised cartouche described by the auction house as probably the maker's name.
  • Not all five compartments and eight dials are simultaneously visible in this single photograph.

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

Consulted source

An important multi-dial brass and silvered astronomical compendium. 18th/19th century - Lot 915

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record cd04b67cc0

Terms in this record

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