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Description: | Xin-An, Xiu-Li, Fang Xiu-Shui
Rectangular wooden dial consisting of two leaves that fold together when not in use. Leaf Ia features an equinoctial dial and a lunar volvelle. At the head of leaf Ib are four Chinese characters in red reading 'Secret of the Sun', underneath which is a table for sunrise and sunset, also giving the directions of sunrise and sunset at different times of the year. Leaf IIa displays the horizontal dial with a compass set into the centre. The hour scale is numbered in Chinese and the markings around the compass give the 24 directions of the feng-shui (geomantic) compass.
The 13 holes down the sides of the dial are for setting the latitude and a red string gnomon is attached between the inner surfaces of the two leaves. Leaf IIb carries a detailed explanation of the use of the instrument in Chinese characters. It further says that 'Fang Xiu-Shui of the town of Xiu-Li, in the province of Xin-An, directs and produces sundials and moon-dials, according to the old method'. The brass pin in the end of the upper leaf is for use with the equinoctial dial/lunar volvelle.
For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.
caption: Diptych dial
caption: Diptych dial, leaf Ia | Publisher: | "http://collections.rmg.co.uk/" | Rights holder: | "Royal Museums Greenwich" | Subjects: | Diptych dial diptych dials Xiu-Shui Sundials at Greenwich Fang | Source: | Royal Museums Greenwich | Identifier: | http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections... | Go to resource |
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