⛩️ True Antique 1940's Authentic "Lotus Flower" Abacus

⛩️ True Antique 1940's Authentic "Lotus Flower" Abacus ▪️Circa 1940's ▪️Spectacular Antique Condition ▪️Gloss Black Lacquer Painted Framework ▪️Light Bamboo Rod Spindles ▪️Gloss Black Beads ▪️ Traditional Chinese Gold Brass Metal Filagree Corner Plate Hardware ▪️ Original Metal Hallmark in Tact - Lotus Flower Brand by Peoples Republic of China ▪️ Measurements: 10" W x 5" H x 1" D ▪️The abacus, or suanpan, is an ancient counting tool that has been used in China since the second century BCE. The abacus is still used in Asian schools and some Western schools, and is often used to teach multiplication and place values. ▪️Here are some features of the Chinese abacus: Crossbar The abacus has a crossbar that separates two decks of beads. Number of beads The upper deck, or "heaven", has two beads on each rod, while the lower deck, or "earth", has five beads on each rod. Counters above and below the crossbar Counters above the crossbar represent five, while those below represent one. Number representation To represent a number, beads are moved up and down to meet in the middle. The number is found by adding up the numbers represented by the beads. ▪️The abacus is considered a precursor to the modern calculator. Its origins are unclear, but it may have been first used by the Babylonians centuries before it was used in China.