Ep. 343 | The History of Clocks and Timekeeping in China

The China History Podcast
Written By Laszlo Montgomery

This is an old topic I thought I'd present now to coincide with the recent release of the interview with the curators of "Clockwork Treasures From China's Forbidden City. Usually, I release new shows on Sundays at 5 AM L.A. Time. Since I'll be launching the first episode of Season 9 of the Chinese Sayings Podcast this Sunday, I figured I'd release this one Thursday, fresh on the heels of the interview.

This is a quick and easy episode that traces the beginnings of timekeeping in China and will survey a few of the most notable horologists from Chinese history from the Han to the Qing Dynasties. The achievements of Zhang Heng, Yi Xing, Zhang Sixun, Su Song, and Zhan Xiyuan will be examined. Then we'll finish off with the arrival of the Jesuits and the zimingzhong 自鸣钟 clocks they brought with them.

Thanks a bunch for listening. Below are stills of some of the pieces on display at the Clockwork Treasures from China’s Forbidden City exhibit at the London Science Museum.

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Bonus Ep. | Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden City