National Treasures

All nations coming to the court to present tribute
This painting was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong to promote the power and virtue of the Qing dynasty. It depicts envoys of foreign nations paying tribute to the Qing Court during the Lunar New Year.

Gilt-silver armillary sphere, engraved with the name “Ferdinand Verbiest”
This is a small demonstrative apparatus that can show how the Sun and Moon orbit around the Earth as well as the solar and lunar eclipse.

Mechanical calculator
This was a mechanical calculator that the Qing Court produced based on the design of Pascal’s calculator. Employing a set of gears, it can perform addition and subtraction.

Balance
This balance was used by the Qing Court. It employs the lever principle and can be used to measure weight. From the weights it uses, it is assumed that this balance was used mainly to weigh larger objects.

Metal clock with piston wheels, barometer and thermometer
This device was made in France. Besides showing the current time, when the device is activated the rotation of the wheel drives the vertical movements of the piston, thus demonstrating the working principles of a steam engine.

Bicycle manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.S.A.), England
This bicycle was made in England and was brought into the Qing Court by a foreign teacher. It provided fun and entertainment for the Emperor and Empress Puyi.