Object Description
Antique Samson porcelain and ormolu Chinoiserie elephant clock
French, Late 19th Century
Height 24cm, width 17cm, depth 13cm
This exquisite and delicate clock typifies the European fascination in the 19th century with Chinese art and Orientalist themes. Crafted by the French factory of Samson et Cie, it portrays a charming elephant figure carrying a clock on its back.
The circular clock dial is bordered with asymmetric ormolu, styled as acanthus leaves, and features a white dial and black Arabic numerals on the face. The clock hands are made from pierced, intricate ormolu. The white porcelain elephant wears a red saddle depicting Chinese figures amongst foliage. The clock mechanism is encased in a further Samson porcelain piece, too painted with nature inspired Chinoiserie motifs.
The piece is set upon an ormolu base in the asymmetric Rococo style, formed of C-scrolls and acanthus leaf motifs. The porcelain clock casing features a red porcelain maker’s mark to the rear.
Combining several design styles and manufacturing techniques, this charming mantel clock would make a superb décor piece in the appropriate setting.