A RARE IMPERIAL MARBLE SUNDIAL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

cleverly designed and precisely carved, surmounted by a thick circular dial emerging from swirling clouds, incised on both sides with time markers, raised at an angle to mirror the axial tilt of the earth, all supported on a tall pedestal with a central circular pillar similarly decorated in high relief with scrolling clouds between key-fret borders, the base further engraved with a leafy scroll

Collection of a French diplomat serving in China in 1902-1904, and thence by descent.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are minor bruises to the edges. The sundial has been in an outdoor setting, and it has expected areas of mould, especially along the base. The upper surface of the dial has been lightly weathered as typical of its age and function with the carving on the reverse well preserved. The structure is carved from three separate stones, which have been stabilised at the joints.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The measurement of time has a long history in China with sundials (rigui) appearing to have been in use since the Shang dynasty. An account from the 2nd century BC by the great historian Sima Qian (c. 145-c. 85 BC) records a sundial in connection with a gathering of astronomers who met to determine various matters relating to the calendar, the directions and the movement of the planets. The present sundial is an equatorial model whereby the planar surface that receives the shadow is parallel to the equator and the gnomon is affixed perpendicular to this. As the sun rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, the hour-lines on the equatorial dial are all spaced 15 degrees apart. 

A related but more elaborately carved marble sundial, also surmounted on a carved cylindrical pillar topped by a square base, attributed to the 18th century, is held in the Seiko Museum, Tokyo. Another marble sundial of this type is set on the left side of the platform before the Belvedere of Well-Nourished Harmony (Yihexuan) in the north of the Hall of Joyful Longevity (Leshoutang), which was built during the reign of Qianlong in 1772. Two Ming dynasty examples of related form can be found in the ancient observatory in Beijing and outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City.