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
“The Second Journey” | An Interview with Joel Bigman
“The Second Journey” | An Interview with Joel Bigman

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Joel Bigman, author of a new book called "The Second Journey."

Ep. 358 | The History of Singapore (Part 10)
Ep. 358 | The History of Singapore (Part 10)

This is as far as we're going to take this series.

Ep. 357 | The History of Singapore (Part 9)
Ep. 357 | The History of Singapore (Part 9)

The saga continues with a newly independent Singapore finding its way in the world.

Ep. 356 | The History of Singapore (Part 8)
Ep. 356 | The History of Singapore (Part 8)

In this episode, we’ll see how Lee Kuan Yew deals with the political left by launching Operation Coldstore on February 2, 1963.

Ep. 355 | The History of Singapore (Part 7)
Ep. 355 | The History of Singapore (Part 7)

In this episode we'll begin to explore the early life of the most consequential leader in Singapore's history and in the greater Southeast Asian scene, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

Ep. 354 | The History of Singapore (Part 6)
Ep. 354 | The History of Singapore (Part 6)

In this episode, we see how Japan marched and bicycled their way across the Johor Strait and proceeded to quickly defeat the British Commonwealth troops.

Ep. 353 | The History of Singapore (Part 5)
Ep. 353 | The History of Singapore (Part 5)

Although all kinds of tension brewed beneath the surface, the mid to late 19th Century saw a continued bonanza for Singapore.

Ep. 352 | The History of Singapore (Part 4)
Ep. 352 | The History of Singapore (Part 4)

Part 4 continues with the aftermath of the 1824 Treaty of London. John Crawfurd takes over from a disgraced William Farquhar as First Resident.

Ep. 351 | The History of Singapore (Part 3)
Ep. 351 | The History of Singapore (Part 3)

With Singapore formally established, we look at those first months and years.

Ep. 350 | The History of Singapore (Part 2)
Ep. 350 | The History of Singapore (Part 2)

Part 2 continues on with many of the post Age of Discovery history that affected SIngapore.

Laszlo Montgomery
Previous

The History of Chinese Philosophy (Part 1)
Next

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