BLOG 6.  “Appearing of the karakuri chariots - Part 2 B”

This is a continuation from BLOG 5. Three photos here are:
(1) The inside of the second floor of Fukurokuju-sha looking up the panels to manipulate dolls.
(2) The doll stands on one hand and strike the small gong by the other hand. Please pay attention to the gear train attached the front side of the base. During the performing of the doll, the base will be rotated and activated the gear train.
(3) The base attached the gear train was made in 1761 and still working. The gear train imitates the escapement of the clock and no actual effect. When operators in the chariot rotate the base, the geartrain is interlocked. This escapement is a dummy, but it is an appeal, “Ladies and gentlemen, this doll is clockwork!” (ref: JAK p.19).

It is thought that the first Japanese irregular time keeping system mechanical clock was invented in Owari province, a part of Aichi prefecture now. Owari province was governed by one of shogun’s family in Edo period. About one hundred fifty karakuri chariots are survived in this area. The quantity of the karakuri chariots is greatest in Japan and also it is unique that some of the chariots have such dummy escapements of the clock. It is also interesting that many karakuri chariots of Owari have traditions that their karakuri skills came from Takeda Karakuri which I explained on the BLOG 1.