C-Brain's Hanamokko Clock is a charming table clock with a minimalist, rounded, wood form and vibrant dial. Alongside a modern, stylish appearance, it is committed to traditional Japanese materials and techniques. Designed by Ko Ushijima, handmade in Japan.
THE DIAL
The Hanamokko Moon Clock’s dials are hand painted with crushed mineral pigments or “rock paint” and the hour markers are hand-applied gold or platinum and black mineral pigment leaf discs. The clock face surface has a combination of sand-like texture and shimmering metallics.
Mineral Pigments: Applying mineral pigments (iwa-enogu) evenly can only be done by an experienced artisan and C-Brain works with a Japanese painter with more than 25-years of experience. The process involves ten coats, each one needing to dry before the next is applied. Mineral pigments were introduced to Japan when Buddhism brought with it new pigmentation materials. While today most paint is synthetic and artificial, these natural paints have been used for centuries with almost no change in technique. The Azurite used on the Moon Clock is heated to produce a matter, deeper blue.
Hour Markers: The twelve dots that indicate the hour are gold or platinum leaf and azurite mineral paint adhered to handmade Japanese paper, which is then punched into a circle and pasted by hand onto the face. The contrasting surfaces make it easier to tell time in low light.
Paper: The mineral pigments and gold leaf are applied to washi kozo—a type of Japanese paper known for its strength and ability to hold mineral pigments—and then adhered to the wooden base. Mr. Mayumi Ishikawa, a washi paper maker in Futamata-cho, Kanazawa prepares the bases for the mineral pigments. Washi kozo paper is the invisible support and unsung hero of these chic clocks. For the “Surihaku” series and Moon, Ishikawa also makes dials using a Japanese paper called rakusui-gama that has a linear pattern. In this series, gold or silver foil is applied only to the convex part of the paper’s uneven surface and made to blur, giving the impression of a landscape, like the surface of water or clouds.
THE BODY
The wooden body of the table clock was produced by Mr. Tatsuya Kutsumi, a traditional craftsman woodworker from Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture—a region with a history of more than 400 years of lacquerware production. Each wooden body is handmade using a traditional technique called “rokuro hiki” where a blade is applied to a rotating tree, gradually and delicately shaping the form. A hardwood and native to Japan, Zelkova has a beautiful grain and has been a desirable material for furniture and construction since ancient times. A natural product, the wood’s grain and color will vary in each clock. The three color options are natural and a brown or black stain. All have a polyurethane coating to protect the wood.
LEATHER COVER
The back of the table clock includes a removable protective leather cover. In addition to enhancing the appearance, it absorbs the faint internal ticking sounds made by the nearly-silent Seiko quartz movement. Mindful of waste, scraps that are produced in the process of making leather straps for wristwatches are re-purposed for the desk clocks. The leather cover is engraved with the C-Brain logo and also can be custom engraved with a corporate or personal message.
- MEASUREMENTS
- Hanamokko: 3.8" x 3.8" x 2.1" (9.6 x 9.6 x 5.3 cm); 4.7 oz (133 g) *without battery
- Hanamokko Tou: 5" x 5" x 2.5" (12.7 x 12.7 x 6.4 cm); 10.5 oz (297 g) *without battery
- FUNCTIONS
- Displays hours and minutes
- MOVEMENT
- Seiko quartz silent sweep movement
- 1.5v / AA battery powered (lithium battery included)
- MATERIALS
- Designed & handmade in Japan
- Surihaku applied platinum or gold foil on rakumizu paper dial and hour markers
- Pulverized azurite natural mineral paint dial and hour markers
- Japanese Zelkova hardwood body
- Natural, brown or black finish sealed with urethane coating
- Repurposed leather back
- Luxury gift box
- WARRANTY
- 5 year movement warranty
- Movement is reparable/replaceable
Setting the time
Remove the leather cover by pulling the leather tab, and turn the time adjustment wheel so the hands rotate in a clockwise direction. It is OK if the hands move slightly counterclockwise if you are adjusting for a few minutes. Never set the time by manipulating the hands directly. Replace the leather cover when finished.
Battery
The clock is powered by one AA 1.5 V battery. We ship with an Energizer lithium long-lasting leak-proof battery that should last for several years. We also recommend Duracell alkaline batteries. It is important to remove or replace the battery once it stops working to prevent battery leakage and damage. Using a good battery helps extend the life of the movement.
When replacing the battery, lift the old battery out from the right (negative side). You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to gently assist in prying the battery out. Insert the new battery from the right (negative side) first by pushing into the spring, and then push down the positive (left) side.
Custom engraving
For a small fee, we can custom engrave a short message (and some logos) on the back leather piece. For larger corporate orders, it is possible to engrave the entire back.
Care and maintenance
Clean the clock occasionally with a soft microfiber cloth. The Zelkova wood is sealed with a clear polyurethane coat to resist wear. The mineral pigment dial is scratchable and should be carefully dusted with a soft brush or handheld blower (for cameras and small electronics). Change the battery as soon as the clock slows or stops. If you need to store your clock for a lengthy period, please remove the battery.
Where not to display
Avoid exposing the clock to direct sunlight to prevent the natural pigments from fading. Do not place in a very humid environment as warping and/or mold growth may occur.
Return policy
We know selecting the 'right' Hanamokko clock variant can be a difficult decision. As a store policy we do not accept returns, but if you are debating between 2 clocks, we will allow you to purchase 2 and return 1. Please contact us first. Also contact us in advance with all questions before purchasing and we will be happy to share our insight about specific colors. It is easier for everyone if we get it right the first time. Please contact us immediately if your clock arrives damaged or is malfunctioning. Though rare, these are mechanical works and occasionally have issues.
Warranty & repairs
C-Brain clocks are guaranteed against defects under normal use, for 2 years on parts & labor from the date of purchase. Normal wear and tear damage or defects are excluded from warranty after 2 years. If purchased through Clock Forward, the movement is covered by a warranty for an additional 3 years (5 years total). We make the return and exchange process as simple as possible.
All mechanical parts are repairable and/or replaceable. Please contact us if you have any problems throughout the life of your clock—whether in or out of warranty.
