Finally Mr Monkey looked at the Technology and Invention section, which told him about Chinese inventions such as the abacus, the compass, and the mass production of ceramics. He admired the dragon decoration of the Wanli period (1573-1620) Ming blue and white vase and the Qing dynasty, Yongzheng period (1723-35) tea set, both made for export. He also examined a compass made between 1750 and 1850. Mr Monkey was impressed by the abacus on the lower level of the case. The abacus was invented in China around 300BC, but this example was designed by artist Chien Haosun in 1984.
Return to Mr Monkey sees China: Journey to the East at the Manchester Museum
Copyright Rik Shepherd and Mr Monkey.