The Japanese soroban has only one bead above the reckoning bar (Heaven) and four beads below (Earth). In competent hands, a soroban is a very powerful and efficient calculating tool. In many cases complex calculations are obtained quicker from the Soroban than from an electronic calculator. This is a 'simplified' medium sized 17 column soroban for daily practical use. Much of its speed is attributed to the concept of mechanization. The idea is to minimize mental work as much as possible and to perform the physical task of adding and subtracting beads mechanically, without thought or hesitation. In a sense to develop a process of thoughtlessness.
Large 23 column soroban that permits complicated calculations with huge numbers in capable hands. Nevertheless, learning to calculate with the Japanae soroban is easier and more straightforward than with a Chinese Suan Pan (see below). To the right the 17 column soroban compared to a 23 column one.
Genuine Suan Pan
Big (35x18x3 cm), wooden and heavy (600 gr) abacus. Chinese origin. Brand: Flying Eagle. The rings are made of ivory and can be moved up and down very smoothly. The abacus seems to be rather old and has been heavily used. It was obtained in a second hand shop for little money.
Chinese Abacus
Chinese abacus or Suan pan (8 cm x 4.5 cm) in a small wooden box. This small calculating aid is rather heavy. The copper bars and rings are enclosed in a copper frame. The calculating device may serve as a hand held or pocket calculator for people who know how to make use of a Chinese abacus.
Golden Abacus
Very small abacus made of pure gold. Originally IBM's gift to loyal employees in the form of two cuff-links. In this case changed into one medaillon and one necktie pin. Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 2 mm. The tiny calculator can be operated by using a pin or a needle.
