A Brief Account on Roman Machines and Cultural Frames

Abstract

This paper describes the history of clocks and karakuri (mechanisms) in Japan. In particular, it touches on the application of clock technology to karakuri ningyou (Japanese automata) and introduces the works of Hisashige Tanaka, a karakuri master in the Edo period (1603–1867) and also a clockmaker. It also dis- cusses the contribution of Hisashige Tanaka to the modernization of Japan through his contributions to the development of karakuri and clock technology.