In the 1700s, China’s emperors collected ornate clockwork automata known as zimingzhong and cherished them for their intricate design and technical innovation. Now, the Science Museum’s new exhibition Zimingzhong: Clockwork Treasures from China’s Forbidden City showcases a unique collection of 23 stunning pieces, on display in the UK together for the first time. ⁠
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This exhibition invites you to discover the outward beauty and inner workings of these centuries-old timepieces and their historic role in early cultural exchanges between Britain and China. Translating as “bells that ring themselves”, zimingzhong were far more than just clocks; they combined timekeeping with sophisticated musical technology and flamboyant aesthetics. Their designs incorporated motifs such as cranes and lotus flowers, expressing British perceptions of a Chinese culture that held powerful sway over the country’s imagination. ⁠
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Exhibition Date:⁠
Until Sunday 2 June 2024⁠
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Location:⁠
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 2⁠
Science Museum⁠
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD⁠
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