Treasures of Time

  Introduction Visitors Information Highlighted Exhibits Interactive Experience and Quiz Exhibits Guide Extension and Education Activities

Highlighted Exhibits


Exhibition Floor Plan

Exhibition Floor Plan

Ancient Chinese Timekeeping Instruments
Ancient Chinese Timekeeping Instruments 1 Ancient Chinese Timekeeping Instruments 2


A Clockmaker’s Workshop
A Clockmaker’s Workshop 1 A Clockmaker’s Workshop 2


Treasures of Time
Treasures of Time 1 Treasures of Time 2



Gilt bronze clock with a country scene and water automaton
Gilt bronze clock with a country scene and water automaton
This clock demonstrates the natural landscape of a village with diversified automatons.

Gilt bronze clock in the form of a five-tiered pagoda with an elevating mechanism
Gilt bronze clock in the form of a five-tiered pagoda with an elevating mechanism
Once the clock is activated after winding, the second through to the fifth tiers of the pagoda rise tier by tier, accompanied by music.

Gilt bronze elephant carrying a watch with a water automaton
Gilt bronze elephant carrying a watch with a water automaton
The elephant, representing “auspiciousness” as well as conveying happiness and peace, is a common decoration on western clocks.

Gilt bronze clock in the form of a glass inlaid birdcage with a bird automaton
Gilt bronze clock in the form of a glass inlaid birdcage with a bird automaton
Keeping birds is a traditional recreation and form of entertainment. This clock was specially made to cater to Chinese preference.

Gilt bronze pocket watch with agates and enamel insets
Gilt bronze pocket watch with agates and enamel insets
This British watch is inset with beautiful agates, lapis lazuli and paintings of women.

Copper clock with an ornate sloping mount
Copper clock with an ornate sloping mount
This is a spring-free mechanical clock using its own weight as the power source.

Gilt bronze clock with bird and magic-trick automatons
Gilt bronze clock with bird and magic-trick automatons
This clock has complicated mechanisms to enable it to perform a spectacular magic tricks.

Mirrors with inset watches and holders decorated with silver wire and cloisonné enamel
Mirrors with inset watches and holders decorated with silver wire and cloisonné enamel
This pair of watches represents the integration of China and the West. The small inset watches are made in England while the rest are made by the Imperial Workshops.

Zitan wood clock in the form of a pavilion with enamel inlays and rotating automaton figures of the Eight Immortals
Zitan wood clock in the form of a pavilion with enamel inlays and rotating automaton figures of the Eight Immortals
This clock is designed as a two-tiered pavilion. After being wound up, the Eight Immortals are moved around the god of longevity.

Gilt bronze and enamel gourd-shaped clock with a water automaton and text-changing effect
Gilt bronze and enamel gourd-shaped clock with a water automaton and text-changing effect
To either side of the scene, a couplet is written on a triangular copper pillar. The couplet changes whenever the post revolves.

Ⓒ The Palace Museum