{"product_id":"hand-carved-japanese-zodiac-direction-compass","title":"Japanese Zodiac Direction Compass (Jūnishi Hōi-ban) – Hand-Carved Wooden Compass with Magnetic Needle","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"736\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"189\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unknown (signed with an unread maker's seal on the reverse)\u003cbr data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"252\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"262\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese Zodiac Direction Compass (十二支方位盤)\u003cbr data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"308\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"308\" data-end=\"319\"\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-carved wood with inset magnetic compass\u003cbr data-start=\"364\" data-end=\"367\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"379\"\u003eEdition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unique original\u003cbr data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"398\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"407\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early to mid-20th century (attributed)\u003cbr data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"449\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"449\" data-end=\"462\"\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 11 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"485\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"499\"\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 2.5 cm\u003cbr data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"523\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"537\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good vintage condition with a rich, naturally aged patina, expected wear from age and handling, minor edge wear, and an unread maker's seal on the reverse. The inset magnetic compass remains intact.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"1236\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"748\"\u003eNotes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most appealing aspect of this object is the way it brings together two systems of navigation in a single, beautifully made piece. Around the outer ring, the traditional twelve zodiac animals (\u003cem data-start=\"945\" data-end=\"954\"\u003ejūnishi\u003c\/em\u003e) mark the compass directions, while the center incorporates a modern magnetic compass with familiar cardinal points. Rather than replacing one system with another, the object quietly demonstrates how traditional Japanese directional knowledge continued alongside modern navigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1238\" data-end=\"1509\"\u003eThe deeply carved characters and warm, well-handled surface give the wooden disc an inviting tactile quality. The reverse bears an impressed maker's seal, adding another reminder that this was made by an individual craftsman rather than as a purely mechanical instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1511\" data-end=\"1852\"\u003eWhether originally intended as a practical reference, a teaching aid, or simply an object of everyday use, today it is equally rewarding as a sculptural piece of Japanese folk craftsmanship. Displayed on a small stand or shelf, it invites closer inspection and conversation while reflecting a fascinating chapter in Japan's material culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"2140\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"1867\"\u003eKeywords:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese zodiac compass, jūnishi compass, twelve zodiac compass, Japanese directional compass, wooden compass, hand-carved compass, Japanese folk art, Japanese navigation, magnetic compass, carved wooden object, signed Japanese compass, Japanese antique, Sosaku Collection\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sosaku Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47991479435429,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0477\/4258\/2949\/files\/japanese-zodiac-direction-compass.jpg?v=1783491591","url":"https:\/\/sosakucollection.com\/products\/hand-carved-japanese-zodiac-direction-compass","provider":"Sosaku Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}