Wooden geomantic compass and perpetual calendar from China, 19th century. Bands of concentric rings are arranged around a magnetic needle. Geomancy is a form of divination, focused on the art of placing or arranging buildings or other sites auspiciously. The Chinese geomantic system is known as feng shui, which takes into account good and evil influences when designing and positioning things. Wooden compasses such as this one were used to determine the healthiest position to build a house.
