ID:
2047
Maker's Name:
Central Iron & Steel Research Institute
Where made:
China
Dimensions:
10.7 × 8.2 × 3 cm
A model of a magnetic compass from the Han Dynasty, one of the 'Four Great Inventions in China'. It is based on the works of 'Hanfucious' (280-233 BCE) and Wang Ch'ung (27-97 CE). A magnetised iron spoon (originally ground from naturally occuring magnetite) sits on a non-magnetic (brass?) plate with geomantic symbols. When it comes to rest, the handle points South, hence the name Si Nan = South seeker.
Book reference:
Pamphlet accompanying compass
