Introduction to the History of Science and Technology

57cm in height and decorated with cloisonné, lacquer work and mother-of-pearl, this large standing spring-driven click was made in 1851 by Hisashige Tanaka (1799-1881), a prominent engineer during the late Tokugawa era to the early Meiji period, after spending nearly a rear on the project. The six dials at the top features Western and Japanese time dials, as well as weekly, monthly and zodiac settings. On the upper part is an astronomical dial mechanism and the old Japanese temporal hour system of employing the time of sunrise and sunset in particular indicate Tanaka's high level of mechanical expertise and deep knowledge of nature science. Japan was capable of smoothly adapting Western science and technology in the Meiji period owing to the foundation laid down during the Edo period. The Myriad-Year Clock is a historical monument symbolizing Tanaka's contribution in bridging science and technology from the Edo period to Meiji period.