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.

Listen On Your Favorite Podcast Player

Terms in Episode

Enjoy the show and want to support the CHP?

Join the Teacup Patreon

Make a Direct Donation

Buy Laszlo a Cup of Coffee

Related Episodes
Jin Yong and the Wuxia Genre with Alice Poon
Jin Yong and the Wuxia Genre with Alice Poon

I had the great pleasure to interview fellow Earnshaw Books author, Alice Poon recently about her new book “The Earthly Blaze”.

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 6)
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 6)

This time around we will explore the other major Ru philosophers who established rival schools of thought, including Mozi 墨子.

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 5)
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 5)

This time we move beyond Confucius to look at some of the other schools of thought that contended with each other during the Spring and Autumn period of the Zhou Dynasty.

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 4)
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 4)

This episode is part one of the life and thought of the famed philosopher Confucius.

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 3)
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 3)

This episode is part one of the life and thought of the famed philosopher Confucius.

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 2)
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 2)

Pre-Confucian Philosophy during the Zhou Dynasty

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 1)
The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 1)

Series Intro and Chinese Philosophy’s Ancient Beginnings

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

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.

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

After hearing me talk about it for the longest time now, here's the interview with Tilly Blyth and Abbie MacKinnon at The London Science Museum

Ep. 342 | China, East Africa, and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere
Ep. 342 | China, East Africa, and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere

It took almost fourteen years but here's a first CHP episode that focuses on China-Africa history.

Laszlo Montgomery
Previous

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 1)
Next

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