- Zheng He and Leonardo da Vinci were two legendary figures whose achievements changed the world
- Zheng He expanded China’s reach through naval expeditions, whereas Leonardo expanded human knowledge through art and science.
- Both were visionaries, Zheng He was a man of action and diplomacy, whereas Leonardo was a man of ideas and creativity.
By Sebastian Lim
ZHENG HE and Leonardo da Vinci were two extraordinary figures of the 15th century, and although they had vastly different roles to play in their lives, they were equally passionate in their work and profession.
Zheng He’s expeditions and Leonardo da Vinci’s work share some interesting similarities, despite occurring in different parts of the world and focusing on different fields.
Here are some interesting key points of comparison between the two men:
Innovation and visionary thinking
Zheng He’s expeditions (1405-1433): He led seven major naval voyages for the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Yongle that demonstrated advanced maritime technology, navigation, and diplomacy. He also commanded the largest fleet of his time, with over 300 ships and 28,000 sailors. His fleet also featured massive treasure ships, and was unprecedented in scale and ambition.
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Work (1452-1519): An Italian polymath and inventor, Leonardo applied scientific thinking to engineering, anatomy, and art. His drawing of the Vitruvian Man, depicting a nude man in two superimposed positions with his arms and legs apart and inscribed in both a circle and square was described by the art historian, Carman C Bambach as “justly ranked among the all-time iconic images of Western civilisation”. His sketches of flying machines, war devices, and anatomical studies were centuries ahead of their time.
Technological advancements
Zheng He’s voyages showcased advanced shipbuilding skills, navigation techniques (using the magnetic compass and star charts), and logistical planning.
Leonardo conceptualised inventions such as flying machines, armoured vehicles, and water-powered devices, many of which foreshadowed modern engineering. His other achievements include masterpieces like Mona Lisa and The Last Supper; and innovative anatomical studies, accurately depicting human muscles and organs.
Global influence and cultural exchange
Zheng He’s voyages spread Chinese culture, goods, and influence to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, fostering early globalisation. He established diplomatic and trade relations across the Indian Ocean, visiting Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa. He spread Chinese influence and collected tributes from foreign lands for the emperor as a form of providing protection to these regions.
His voyages demonstrated China’s naval superiority, but after his death, Ming rulers halted maritime exploration.
On the other hand, as a thinker, Leonardo’s artistic and scientific work influenced the Renaissance and later scientific revolutions, contributing to Europe’s intellectual and artistic expansion.
Curiosity and exploration
Zheng He explored distant lands to expand the knowledge, wealth, and prestige of the Ming Dynasty. Leonardo explored human anatomy, physics, and mechanics to push the boundaries of knowledge and art. He also designed futuristic machines, including early concepts of helicopters and tanks.
Legacy and unfulfilled potential
After Zheng He’s voyages, China shifted to isolationism, halting naval expansion. His achievements were somewhat forgotten. However, many of Leonardo’s technological ideas remained unrealised due to limitations in materials and funding.
In essence, both Zheng He and Leonardo da Vinci were pioneers in their fields — one in global exploration and diplomacy, the other in art, science, and engineering. They both pushed the limits of human frontier and achievement but unfortunately, were ultimately limited by their respective societies’ priorities.
** SALUTING THE LEGEND. Click here to read our editorial and links to the main stories of our NAC Focus on Zheng He. NAC Focus, with New Asia Currents and Postscript NAC, make up the media platform of the Commonwealth of World Chinatowns (CWC)
