[ Ref. Alan Pratt in 130211 MMDigest

It is disappointing to hear of Alan Pratt's experience at the Forbidden
City in Beijing, but I think he must have been shown a different room
than the one that houses the impressive clock collection display.  It
is not always easy to communicate with a guide, even one who speaks
English well.

We know that thousands of automatic musical items, from watches to
large format music boxes, were sent to China in the 18th and 19th
centuries.  Many of the more portable items were taken by invading
armies and carried back to England, France, and the U.S.A. after the
Boxer Rebellion and the earlier "Opium Wars", but many larger items
must have been left in China.  Most of the automaton clocks that are
now on display in the Forbidden City, especially those made by James
Cox, are far too big to be carried away easily.

I am sure the musical automaton clocks that are now on display are
well cared for, although it is true the rooms are not very well lighted.
We were told those are the same rooms that housed the clock workshops
where Chinese clockmakers trained by European craftsmen made elaborate
clocks of their own design, some of which are also on display

Several years ago, the Chinese government sent a collection of
furniture and other items from the Forbidden City on a tour to the
United States.  The collection included one or two musical automaton
clocks and one large sublime harmony music box that needed expert
attention.

When the exhibit opened in the Los Angeles area, it was seen by Chris
Eric, who somehow convinced the Chinese to let him do the necessary
work.  Needless to say, the music box was in perfect condition after
he finished his work.  I am sure that box has not been allowed to
deteriorate in the interim, although I don't know whether it is on
display now in China.

Finally, I believe the Chinese have begun to recognize the value and
importance of all kinds of automatic musical items, which means they
will take care to protect those that are in the Forbidden City and
various other locations in China.  The museum in Shanghai, which is
privately owned, might inspire the development of other mechanical
music museums in China.

Don Day
San Francisco