Object Description
Antique French Japonisme silvered bronze and porcelain three-piece clock set
French, Late 19th Century
Clock: Height 36cm, width 32cm, depth 17cm
Candelabra: Height 28cm, width 26cm, depth 10cm
This Japonisme three-piece clock garniture showcases the superb skills of 19th century French makers. Its design highlights the beauty of both Eastern and Western design styles and cultures.
Sculpted to resemble a gong, the clock hangs from a shaped stretcher attached to an ornate structure. The surround of the clock, made from silvered bronze, includes Japonisme patterns, some relating to the natural world. The polychrome porcelain dial includes a turquoise base surrounded by a white and red border with black Arabic numerals. The hour and minute dials are placed in the centre of a circular cartouche painted with further eye-catching designs. A dragon, a motif inspired by the Japanese culture, can be observed on the stretcher under the clock. Below it is an outstanding rectangular base inset with a painted porcelain plaque. A muted floral composition is surrounded by a vibrant sea of Japonisme patterns, some made to look as if made using the cloisonne enamelling technique.
A pair of candelabra flanks the clock, and both are of a similar design. Their front is adorned with a porcelain plaque depicting a cherub amongst a yellow ground border with stylised flowers interspersed around. On the reverse, large polychrome paisley patterns fill the porcelain plaques. Two candleholders extend from each of the elegant silvered bronze candelabra.
Wonderfully executed and celebrating various cultures, this clock garniture would make a superb home décor piece in the appropriate interior space.