机械动偶钟非遗传人陈玉庆确认参展!宫廷复刻动偶座钟和当代动偶钟表及摆件作品将亮相北京“丹宸天工”中国宫廷美学与当代造物出海展

机械动偶钟非遗传人陈玉庆确认参展!宫廷复刻动偶座钟和当代动偶钟表及摆件作品将亮相北京“丹宸天工”中国宫廷美学与当代造物出海展

Tianjin, August 25, 2026 ——The organizing committee of the highly anticipated "Danchen Tiangong" Chinese Imperial Aesthetics and Contemporary Craftsmanship Overseas Exhibition officially announced that Chen Yuqing, representative inheritor of the Tianjin municipal intangible cultural heritage project "Mechanical Automaton Clock Making Techniques" and renowned master watchmaker, has confirmed his participation. Chen Yuqing will present his meticulously crafted imperial replica automaton clocks and contemporary automaton clocks and ornaments, offering audiences at home and abroad a visual feast where mechanical engineering and imperial aesthetics converge.

Mechanical automaton clocks were once the most brilliant pearls of Qing Dynasty imperial clock culture, skillfully combining precision mechanical transmission with superb artistic carving to imbue clocks with vibrant life. Over time, this ancient, long-lost technique had fallen into obscurity. As an authoritative inheritor in this field, Chen Yuqing has dedicated decades to deeply researching the structure and charm of imperial clocks housed in the Palace Museum. With extreme craftsmanship, he broke through technical barriers, not only successfully restoring this lost royal technique but also incorporating traditional mortise and tenon joinery, metalwork, and umbrella water techniques into his work.

At the upcoming "Danchen Tiangong" exhibition, Chen Yuqing will prominently display representative works from his two core collections:

  • Imperial Replica Automaton Clocks: This collection of works highly restores the luxury and precision of Qing Dynasty imperial clocks. The pieces feature thousands of finely polished components and traditional fusee and chain drive mechanisms, combined with real gold plating and exquisite gemstone inlays. Accompanied by melodious mechanical rhythms, the automaton figures and water features within the clocks interact vividly, recreating the spectacular timekeeping artistry of the Eastern imperial court.

  • Contemporary Automaton Clocks and Ornaments: While inheriting ancient imperial techniques, Chen Yuqing also constantly innovates. The contemporary automaton clocks and ornaments on display at this exhibition subtly integrate contemporary aesthetics and modern design language, organically combining complex mechanical automaton devices with elegant interior art ornaments. These works are not only highly ornamental and interactive but also demonstrate the innovative application and vibrant vitality of intangible cultural heritage in modern life.

The organizing committee stated that "Danchen Tiangong" aims to showcase the unique charm of traditional Chinese imperial aesthetics and contemporary high-end craftsmanship to the world. Chen Yuqing's participation not only demonstrates the superb level of traditional Chinese mechanical craftsmanship but also conveys the spirit of artisans who inherit and innovate intangible cultural heritage to the world.

Clock enthusiasts and art collectors are welcome to attend and experience the exquisite "mechanical magic" of Chen Yuqing's automaton clocks firsthand.

About the "Danchen Tiangong" Chinese Imperial Aesthetics and Contemporary Craftsmanship Overseas Exhibition

  • Exhibition Dates: October 23, 2026 - Jan 16, 2027
  • Exhibition Venue: Building D7, 3rd Floor, National Base for International Cultural Trade (Beijing)
  • Organizers: National Base for International Cultural Trade (Beijing), China Association of Cultural Relics - Horology Professional Committee
  • Co-organizers: Academic Committee of China Cultural Industry Association, Palace Museum Research Project Group on Inheritance Examples of Qing Dynasty Imperial Techniques
  • Ticket Prices: Free for general audience; RMB 100 for professional audience (includes professional guided tour, salon seating, and refreshments)
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