the Chinese had a famously complex system of trade within their own country and the surrounding region, and therefore were disinterested in any trade involvement with Europe. One thing the Chinese were interested in importing, however, was knowledge; specifically, knowledge of the heavens. During this time, the Spanish Jesuits were at the forefront of scientific and astronomical knowledge advancement. The Jesuits were invited to the Imperial Palace to serve as advisors to the Emperor. As gifts, they brought many finely crafted objects, including some particularly exquisite English-made clocks. These pieces, with all their stunning music and automata, captivated the Chinese royals. The Chinese called these pieces “sing-songs” or “self-sounding bells”. They eventually became diplomatic currency to curry favor throughout the hierarchy. By the end of the 18th century, the Chinese began workshopping clocks of their own. The Chinese-made clocks, like the Chinese’ favorite European clocks, were extravagantly decorated with complex automata, such as bejeweled spinning trees, crystal waterfalls, twirling acrobats and palm leaf umbrellas.