9. 18th Century Clock

The Jesuits in the 16^th C  invented Clock Diplomacy as a way of getting into the Chinese court. This automaton table clock has both  musical and mechanical movements. The  front has a painted  ‘willow-pattern’ panel depicting a moving river scene with figures crossing a bridge, above is a model garden fountain  with eight dolphins on  spirally turning glass columns representing water. The British Museum notice hints that this clock, or one like it was given by British Envoy Macartney to the Qianlong Emperor in 1794 in the hope of getting a trade deal. He was unsuccessful due to arrogance and vanity. The clock is 76 cms tall.

This clock is dated to 1780-1790.