KU XIUNG

KU XIUNG, RING OF FLOWERS Ku Xiung, Swiss. No.1901. Made for the Chinese market. Circa 1820. Fine, gilt metal and enamel, pearl-set, key-wind, center seconds pocket watch with duplex escapement. Accompanied by a key. Four-body, hinged reverse with pearl-set border to central enamel scene of Lake Geneva within a circle of fl owers, blue outer, pearl-set bezel and bow, coin-edge band, hinged cuvette. White enamel, black radial Roman numerals, outer minutes and quarter Arabic numerals. Gilt spade hands, center seconds. Gilt Chinese caliber, fully engraved, standing barrel, duplex escapement, counterpoised steel three-arm balance, fl at hairspring, index regulator. Singed in Chinese on the cuvette and movement. Diam. 55 mm. Notes The Imperial Treasure from the Summer Palace and the Chinese Market Pocket Watch The origins of the “Chinese” watch can be traced back to the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in China in the late 16th century. The Jesuits became very influential among the Chinese elite and at Court, bringing with them the latest in Western scientific and technological developments, which greatly impressed the Chinese. The Jesuits thus became important vectors of Western culture in China, while also conveying information about China to Europe. The complex and beautiful Western clocks were among the most convincing arguments the Jesuits could offer to gain access to the Chinese Emperors and to win their trust. Although Chinese diplomat and engineer Su Song had designed