Chinese Feng Shui Luopan Compass, Guangdong Province, C.1890

A late Qing Dynasty Chinese luopan compass from Xingning County, Guangdong Province, dating to circa 1890. Measuring 22.6 cm in diameter, this is a substantial working example, considerably larger than many surviving luopan encountered on today's market.

The lacquered face is densely arranged with concentric rings of cosmological, directional and geomantic information rendered in gold and red against a black lacquer ground. These include the Eight Trigrams (Bagua), the Twenty-Four Mountains, the Five Elements (Wuxing), and the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch cycles used in traditional Feng Shui calculations.

The luopan was the principal instrument of the Feng Shui master, used to determine auspicious orientations for buildings, ancestral tombs and important architectural projects. Its densely inscribed surface combines multiple layers of cosmological, directional and calendrical information arranged in twenty-one concentric rings around the Tian Chi, or Heaven Pool, which contains the original magnetic needle beneath glass.

The reverse bears a red inscription reading Xingning County, Xinghua Street, Made by Xing Tai Ji, identifying the maker of the compass. Xingning was one of the principal centres of luopan production in southern China, and surviving signed examples are increasingly difficult to find. A fine example of Chinese geomantic material culture combining historical significance, strong decorative appeal and excellent display presence.

Measurements

• Diameter: 22.6 cm / 8.90″
• Height: 1.8 cm / 0.71″
• Weight: 265 g

Condition

Good antique condition overall. In some areas the lacquer has flaked, mainly around the outer edges, as shown in the photographs. The principal inscribed field remains largely intact with only minor wear. Dust is present beneath the compass glass.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.