明清时期,我国的国门逐渐被打开,开始与西方国家有了一些贸易的往来,同时一些传教士也随之进入中国,于是许多西洋物品也被带入国内,尤其是宫廷,其中包括西洋钟表。西方传教士传教遇阻时,通过赠送和演示时钟,便叩开了中国之门。机械时钟由此进入中国人的生活中,被称做自鸣钟。这些西洋钟表刚开始主要成为皇家或贵族赏玩的重要物品,也是画家们津津乐道的绘画题材。 During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, our country’s gate was gradually opened, and some trade relations with western countries began. At the same time, some missionaries also entered China. Many Western goods were also brought into the country, especially the court, including Western clocks and watches . When missionaries of the Western mission met obstacles, they opened the door to China by giving and presenting clocks. Mechanical clock thus entered the Chinese life, is called the chime. These Western clocks mainly at the beginning of the Royal or noble play important items, but also painters relish painting theme.