TACHIBANA MORIKUNI (1679–1748). A Japanese woodblock print p - Lot 43

Lot n° 43
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TACHIBANA MORIKUNI (1679–1748). A Japanese woodblock print p - Lot 43
TACHIBANA MORIKUNI (1679–1748). A Japanese woodblock print published in 1729, depicting the famous south-pointing chariot (known in the West as the magnetic chariot), a major invention in the field of mechanical engineering in ancient China. Contrary to what one might think, this device did not operate using a magnet, but relied entirely on a system of differential gears. Tradition sometimes attributes its mythical invention to the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) as a means of navigating through fog during a battle, but its documented design dates primarily to engineers and inventors of the Han, Wei, and Song dynasties (such as Ma Jun and Yan Su). Rather than an everyday navigational tool, it was primarily a symbol of imperial prestige used in official processions to demonstrate the sovereign’s technological mastery and divine mandate.
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