Very Rare Edo Period Striking Inro Watch.
Miscellaneous /
Japanese
Inv. #: g177
Size: Case dimensions: 2.25in x 3.5in x 1.25in
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A very rare mid-19th century striking inro watch in the original carved Shitan wood case.
Case
The carved shitan wood case is decorated with floral relief carvings throughout. In the front is a glazed brass bezel and on the back are two brass lined holes for winding and a fabric backed engraved brass fret. The top is particularly deep to accommodate the small tray that holds the key.
Dial
The traditional Japanese turned brass rotating dial has adjustable engraved silvered plaques for the temporal 'hours' and thinner plain patinated plaques for the halfway points. The finely cut steel hand remains stationary.
Movement
The one-day time and strike movement has engraved ormolu plates with scrolling foliage. The partially skeletonized backplate has an engraved bird of paradise and the turned countwheel is indexed for Japanese striking. The time side has a fusee with gut and on top sits the balance wheel under the original bell.
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