“广钟”是清代广州制造机械钟表的简称，因产地广州得名。“璀璨时光——清代广钟精品展”是首个也是迄今为止最大规模的清代广钟专题展，共展出广钟精品及相关文物和展品110余件。展览分为“时间的刻度”“时间的艺术”“时间的温度”三大部分，从“工匠精神”“中国智造”和“文明交流互鉴”三个维度，全面展现清代广钟的多元面向和当代价值。
Luxury timepieces from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) are on display at the Guangdong Museum in the neighboring city of Guangzhou, where visitors can explore the fascinating origins of self-striking clocks and admire the brilliance of Qing Dynasty timepieces crafted in Guangzhou.
Some of the timepieces on display at the "Timeless Masterpieces" exhibition at Guangdong Museum. Photos from the museum's official WeChat account
This exhibition, which marks the largest showcase of Qing Dynasty Guangzhou-crafted clocks to date, will run until April 6.
A Qing Dynasty clock on display at the exhibition.
Featuring over 110 exquisite Guangzhou clocks and related artifacts, the exhibition received substantial support from renowned institutions such as the Palace Museum, Chengde Mountain Resort Museum, the First Historical Archives of China, the Summer Palace, Guangzhou Museum, and the Guangdong Folk Art Museum.
A Qing Dynasty clock on display.
The exhibition is structured into three sections: “Scale of Time,” “Art of Time,” and “Temperature of Time.” Through a blend of intricate artifacts, historical archives, distinct Cantonese craftsmanship, and immersive multimedia digital displays, the exhibition provides a holistic view of the various dimensions and contemporary relevance of Qing Dynasty clocks, exploring the realms of “Craftsmanship Spirit,” “Chinese Ingenuity,” and “Cultural Exchange and Interaction.”
A close-up of the details of a clock on display.
The “Scale of Time” embarks on a journey through the evolution of timekeeping devices in China, reflecting on the clock diplomacy by Western missionaries, the flourishing trade of self-striking clocks during the eras of Kangxi and Qianlong emperors, to the gradual integration of clocks into Chinese society. This section delves into the historical background of Guangzhou clocks, their developmental trajectories, and the innovative essence of Guangzhou craftsmen.
A close-up of the details of a clock on display.
The “Art of Time” section delves into the fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and unique characteristics of Guangzhou clocks through the lens of four key aspects: wooden clocks, bronze clocks, enamel clocks, and mechanical construction.
In the “Temperature of Time” segment, the focus shifts to the museum’s advancements in clock preservation and restoration, craft exploration, digital reconstruction and activation, as well as the continuity and progress of Guangzhou clock manufacturing techniques within the contemporary clockmaking industry in Guangdong.
A Qing Dynasty clock on display.
Integrating overarching narratives with individual perspectives, the exhibition incorporates modern design elements and employs AI interactive technologies to craft immersive experiences such as the “Pan Chun’s Workshop,” integrated projection showcases like “Clock Illusion,” 3D mapping projection artistry featuring the “Mechanical Structure of Guangzhou Clocks,” and interactive engagements like the “Time Secrets — Guangzhou Clock Assembly” game.
A poster for the exhibition.
