Detail
| Cultural Resources Category | Histrical Materials |
|---|---|
| Cultural Properties Category | National Designation Tangible Cultural Properties (Archeological Artifacts, Historical Materials) |
| Title | Armillary Sphere, Donated by Sakai Tadanao in the 10th year of Kanbun Era (1670), Crafted by Astronomer Ishihara Nobuyoshi in the 9th year of Kanbun Era (1669) |
| Designation Date | 1983/06/06 |
| Cities / Towns | Nikko |
| Owner / Manager | Nikko Toshogu Shrine |
| Description | (Dimensions) Total height: 109.3 cm, Horizon ring diameter: 76.8 cm This armillary sphere was commissioned by Kohama clan samurai Ishihara Nobuyoshi (1619-1691) to artisans in Kyoto, and in December of the 9th year of Kanbun Era (1669), Kohama clan leader Sakai Tadanao presented it to the shogunate. Subsequently, in February of the following year, the 10th year of Kanbun Era (1670), it was donated to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The sphere is made of copper, and various rings such as the horizon ring and celestial equator ring are embellished with gold and silver inlay, cloisonné, and maki-e techniques. Practical features are also showcased, like the celestial equator ring being divided into 365 segments. There are few surviving examples of armillary spheres, making this one, with its clear provenance and creation background, the largest among the existing specimens. It is a notable artifact in the study of astronomy in Japan. |
| Copyright | 著作権あり |
