Dragon Boat Alarm
Date19th century
Maker
Chinese
Label TextAncient Chinese devised alarms with the use of incense sticks-which burned at a constant rate- placed horizontally on the boat; a thread with two bells tied on would be slung over the stick and when it burned down underneath the thread broke, the bells dropped and alerted the people. Shifting the string adjusted the alarm time.
Object number2007.68
Photo CreditPhoto: Susan Cole
Published ReferencesYiu, Josh. "The Chinese Connection and the Chinese Collection at the Seattle Art Museum," A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 162, illus. 138.Credit LineGift of Ruth, Nancy and Kal Kallison in memory of James M. Kallison, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions27 9/16 x 7 1/4 x 2 1/4 in. (70 x 18.4 x 5.7 cm)
MediumLacquered wood with pigment and metal
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