"An inch of time is an inch of gold, an inch of gold can't buy an inch of time", an ancient Chinese proverb shows the value and value of time. Time passes naturally, but the instruments used to measure time units are not innate. Their emergence and development are closely related to human practical activities.

    As one of the four ancient civilizations, China has a long history of timing instruments, such as the sundial that judges time according to the position of the sun's rays, the hourglass that records time by using the flow of sand, and the "water transport instrument image platform" created by Su Song and Han Gonglian in the Song Dynasty. Because its internal device is similar to the escapement mechanism of mechanical clocks, it is considered to be the ancestor of modern mechanical clocks.

    By 1601, Matteo Ricci, an Italian missionary, offered two western clocks as tributes to Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, which won the favor of Emperor Wanli and knocked on the gate of the palace with clocks and watches. This had a great impact on the manufacture of mechanical clocks and watches in modern China and set off an upsurge of imitation everywhere. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, Chinese mechanical clocks and watches entered the period of independent manufacturing. The imperial clocks made by the clock making office of the Qing palace, the Guangzhou clocks made in Guangzhou and the Ben clocks made in Nanjing were different varieties at that time.

    The more than 100 clocks and watches on display are the private collections of Mr. Chen Zhongren, a collector of ancient clocks and watches in Nanjing, including Nanjing Ben clock, Siming clock, bird cage clock, leather tube clock, ship clock, Rolex watch, eight pocket watches, China's first generation five needle aviation watch… Each clock and watch is not only a timing tool, but also a pleasing handicraft. During the shuttle, 100 clocks and watches freeze 100 historical moments, and the exchange of memory is gathered here. They have mottled historic sites, but as soon as they wind up, the second hand will beat rhythmically, and time will come back to life from solidification.

    The exhibition is jointly organized by Hai'an County Museum and Nanjing folk custom museum. It is open to citizens free of charge during the exhibition. Citizens and friends are welcome to visit.

    Exhibition time: November 2, 2016 - November 30, 2016
    Venue: Hai'an County Museum