Equatorial Sundial, 19th Century
Maker Unknown
China
Wooden equatorial sundials are one of many styles of traditional Chinese non-mechanical timepieces. This example uses a copper pin as a gnomon and a brass strut to incline the plate. A built in compass provides accurate alignment for the user of the dial.
Whereas Western versions of this type of sundial list cities at each latitude for the proper inclination of the plate, Chinese dials refer to the local calendar system (chhi') used in regions of different latitudes.
Donated by the California Academy of Sciences
1999.10.2