Early 20th Century Chinese Faux Ivory Carved Earthquake Detector, Seismograph

Description

Chinese seismograph was invented by Zhang Heng in about Eastern Han Dynasty. According to the history, The seismograph has eight … more Chinese seismograph was invented by Zhang Heng in about Eastern Han Dynasty. According to the history, The seismograph has eight directions, which are east, south, west, north, southeast, southwest, northeast and northwest. There is a dragon containing a dragon ball in each direction, and there is a toad under each dragon head corresponding to it. If an earthquake occurs in any direction, the dragon ball contained in the dragon's mouth in that direction will fall into the toad's mouth, and the direction of the earthquake can be determined from this. This seismograph was made from Faux Ivory with hand carved and hand painted eight dragons and eight toads and decorated with floral and flamings. also, there is hand carved Tao statue sitting on the top reading the Tao Te Ching. Due to the age, one dragon missing a part of it's leg (see detailed photos), other than that, it is in very good antique condition.
Size: 20.5in H x 16in W x 16in D
Origin: China
Circa: 20th Century
Material: Bone/Faux Ivory
Condition: Original finished. Well balanced. hand carved, normal age wear.

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