《明史·志·卷一》
明太祖平定元朝，司天监进献水晶刻漏，其内设计了二个木偶人，能够按照确定的时刻自动敲击钮鼓。
明太祖平元，司天监进水晶刻漏，中设二木偶人，能按时自击钲鼓。
Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, pacified the Yuan Dynasty, and the Astronomical Bureau offered him the crystal water clock, which had two wooden dolls designed in it, that could automatically beat the bell and drum according to the exact time.