Mantel clock mid-eighteenth century
Gilt metal, bronze, porcelain, enamel, blued steel | 44.5 x 42.5 x 22.3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 30361
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A Louis XV asymetrical mantel clock in the form of a a drum crowned by a steated female Chinese figure holding a garland of flowers. The drum rests on a cushion of curled leaves supported on stylised palms and rocaille motifs and is flanked by two further Chinese figures - a seated female on the left and a bearded standing mandarin on the right. Seated on the elaborately pierced rectangular rococo base in the centre towards the front is a fourth figure of a gesticulating Chinese boy.
Chased and gilt bronze and gilt. The drum is lacquered black and the figures are painted in red, mauve and gold lacquer on a black ground with porcelain flowers.
The original French movement was replaced by Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy. The mechanism now comprises an eight day rack striking clock has a fusee movement and ½- dead beat escapement. Enamel face with the 12 hours represented in Roman numerals with spade shaped blued steel hands.
Vulliamy number 741Provenance
The clock was consigned to Windsor following Queen Victoria's decision to sell the Royal Pavilion in 1846. It is item 27 in a 'List of Clocks, Shades Etc packed at the Pavilion Brighton 1846. Delivered by Mr. Tupper to Windsor Castle. 6 Jan 1847' and described as 'A Clock in a japanned case with three metal japanned Chinese Figures and Dresden flowers on ormolu rock base '.
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Creator(s)
(clockmaker (movement))(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gilt metal, bronze, porcelain, enamel, blued steel
Measurements
44.5 x 42.5 x 22.3 cm (whole object)
Object type(s)