>'ZHENG FANG AN' MODEL / ANCIENT CHINESE PHOTOMETRIC DIRECTIONAL DEVICE. Edited by Beijing Ancient Observatory, manufactured by 'Iron and Steel Reseacrch Institute'<(photographic translation): Square engraved Metal-Plate with 3 Shadow-Steles in a luxurious Silk-covered Box. - REDUCED FAC-SIMILE FROM THE HISTORIC ORIGINAL AT DENGFENG OBSERVATORY, XU FENGXIAN, CHINA.. Cet article n’est pas disponible.>'ZHENG FANG AN' MODEL / ANCIENT CHINESE PHOTOMETRIC DIRECTIONAL DEVICE. Edited by Beijing Ancient Observatory, manufactured by 'Iron and Steel Reseacrch Institute'<(photographic translation): Square engraved Metal-Plate with 3 Shadow-Steles in a luxurious Silk-covered Box. - REDUCED FAC-SIMILE FROM THE HISTORIC ORIGINAL AT DENGFENG OBSERVATORY, XU FENGXIAN, CHINA.

°°° HIGH QUALITY AUTHENTIC REPLICA of ''An ancient Chinese instrument for finding directions: Square steelplate (10 x 10 cm) with circular scientifically engraved patterns and ornamental corners + 3 shadow-steles on small cylindric stands (ca. 3-, 4- and 5 cm), folded introduction sheet in Chinese and English language. - 'Zheng Fang Án' (Normal Direction Finder), was invented and designed by the astronomer, Guo Shou-Jing (1231-1316) of the Yüan Dynasty. He made the method of determining directions from shadow observation earn high reputation for many centuries. . .''(Beginning of the English introduction). --- A BEAUTIFUL OBJECT: ''In 1276, after Yuan forces captured the Southern Song capital Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou), Kublai Khan gathered personnel from the astronomical bureaus of both the Jin and Song dynasties in Dadu (present-day Beijing). Along with newly selected talents, they formed a powerful astronomical team. Under the leadership of Wang Xun and Guo Shoujing, this team engaged in instrument-making, astronomical measurements, and the compilation of a new calendar. In just five years (1276-1280) they achieved remarkable accomplishments elevating ancient Chinese astronomy to a new peak. . . The Zheng Fang An consisted of 19 concentric circles drawn on a four-foot square wooden board, with a rod placed at the center. When the shadow of the rod fell on a specific circle, the position was recorded. By connecting two points on the same circle from morning to evening, the midpoint of the line connecting them and the center of the circle would indicate [the] true south. If the board were stood on its side, it could also measure the height of the North Star above the horizon. This instrument was portable, making it suitable for fieldwork.''(from the website of 'ChinaKnowledge - An Encyclopaedia on Chinese History, Literature and Art', chapter ''Calendar - Chronology - Astronomy'').…