It is commonly believed that most European clocks that reached China before the nineteenth century were sent to the emperor as diplomatic presents from European rulers,or were given to Chinese officials by European me...It is commonly believed that most European clocks that reached China before the nineteenth century were sent to the emperor as diplomatic presents from European rulers,or were given to Chinese officials by European merchants in attempts to improve trading conditions.Although such presents had been given in earlier times,British records show that,by the eighteenth century when the export of clocks to China reached its height,most clocks,including the finest,reached China as private trade goods.Once in Canton(Guangzhou),the best clocks were bought by local Chinese officials for inclusion in their annual tribute to the emperor and senior members of the government in Beijing,where many of these clocks survive in the former imperial collection.展开更多
In order to open up the Chinese market,Britain sent two missions to China in 1791 and 1816.The most powerful colonial empire in the world met the most powerful feudal empire in the world.The two sides led the negotiat...In order to open up the Chinese market,Britain sent two missions to China in 1791 and 1816.The most powerful colonial empire in the world met the most powerful feudal empire in the world.The two sides led the negotiations and exchanges with the concepts of "tribute" and "equal diplomacy",and the failure of the missions of Macartney and Amherst to China was inevitable.The travel texts completed by the members of the mission recorded the process of travel to China and their views on China in detail.Two typical travel events in China completely reversed the western image of China.展开更多
文摘It is commonly believed that most European clocks that reached China before the nineteenth century were sent to the emperor as diplomatic presents from European rulers,or were given to Chinese officials by European merchants in attempts to improve trading conditions.Although such presents had been given in earlier times,British records show that,by the eighteenth century when the export of clocks to China reached its height,most clocks,including the finest,reached China as private trade goods.Once in Canton(Guangzhou),the best clocks were bought by local Chinese officials for inclusion in their annual tribute to the emperor and senior members of the government in Beijing,where many of these clocks survive in the former imperial collection.
基金Sponsored by “Twelfth Five-year Plan” Program of Guangdong Provincial Philosophy and Social Sciences(GD15XLS07)
文摘In order to open up the Chinese market,Britain sent two missions to China in 1791 and 1816.The most powerful colonial empire in the world met the most powerful feudal empire in the world.The two sides led the negotiations and exchanges with the concepts of "tribute" and "equal diplomacy",and the failure of the missions of Macartney and Amherst to China was inevitable.The travel texts completed by the members of the mission recorded the process of travel to China and their views on China in detail.Two typical travel events in China completely reversed the western image of China.
