Times past.

The Science Museum in London is currently hosting an exhibition called "Zimingzhong: Clockwork treasures from China's Forbidden City," which showcases antique clocks dating from 1662 to 1795. These clocks, known as zimingzhong in Mandarin Chinese, were brought to China by European missionaries during the Qing dynasty and were highly valued by Chinese emperors. The exhibition explores the technical expertise, creativity, and international trade behind these clocks, highlighting their intricate mechanisms and their role in measuring time. The clocks were also used to showcase the emperors' royal status and opulent taste. The exhibition features various clocks, including one depicting the coronation of Louis XIV and others showcasing Chinese art forms and celestial movements. The exhibition will run until June 2nd. [Extracted from the article]