32K views · 779 reactions | In 1662 Japanese clockmaker Takeda Omi...

In 17th century Japan a wooden doll served tea with lifelike grace. Known as the karakuri puppet, it blended European clockwork with Japanese artistry to create intricate automata powered solely by springs, weights and gears. When a cup was placed on its tray hidden mechanisms set the doll in motion, carrying tea to a guest before retreating when the empty cup returned. Over time these machines evolved with archery puppets and theatrical performances that captivated audiences and influenced mode