Object Description
Sèvres style gilt bronze and porcelain carriage clock
French, c.1870
Height 16cm, width 8.5cm, depth 7.5cm
This beautiful clock was crafted in c.1870 in France. Known as a carriage clock, it was designed for use when travelling. Such clocks were crafted on a small scale with handles, so they could be easily transportable from one place to another.
The clock features a gilt bronze (ormolu) rectangular case, which is fitted with a single handle and set on a base. The case is finely decorated with low-relief depictions of scrolled stylised acanthus leaves and geometric patterns.
The case is mounted with porcelain plaques which are painted red and decorated with beautiful jewelled (gilt and enamel bead) designs. The front plaque features a central circular dial, with a painting of a pair of cherubs at its centre. This dial features black Roman Numerals within parcel gilt white panels. A painting of a courting couple in an Arcadian landscape decorates the space below the dial. The sides of the case are similarly ornamented and feature intricate mother and child paintings.