Insight into historical scientific advancements provided by antique clocks

These gorgeous antique clocks not only represent time, but also a window into an era of cutting-edge scientific innovation.

Each of these works, dating from 1662 to 1795, is part of a new exhibition. Zimingzhong: The Clockwork Treasure of China's Forbidden City At the Science Museum in London. It “explores how we measure time and the technical expertise, creativity and international trade behind centuries-old clocks,” said curator Jane Desborough. states.

called Ziming Middle School This bell, which means “self-ringing bell” in Mandarin, was brought to China by European missionaries during the Qing Dynasty and was prized by the Chinese emperor, who collected hundreds of them and built them in the Forbidden City in Beijing to emphasize his imperial status. It was exhibited in the palace. And a luxurious taste.

Many of the things that made Ziming Middle School The technology incorporated into the intricate case was so prestigious that hundreds of skilled craftsmen were required to produce just one watch. Some of the complex devices still used in some clocks may have been used to time the duration of celestial events.

The main image is Ziming Middle School It depicts the coronation of King Louis XIV of France, with other images depicted in smaller images (taken from below the main image): penjing (“Potted Landscape”) Delicate artificial flowers. A small celestial observation device that displays the movement of stars and planets around the Earth. There is also a print by 18th century painter Joshua Reynolds (pictured above). The exhibition will run until June 2nd.