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A Prince's Treasure

120 objects from the Royal Collection return to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton

ARITA, HIZEN PROVINCE [JAPAN]

The 'Kylin' clock

2nd half 18th century, mounts: c.1700-1822

Porcelain, gilt bronze | 111.7 x 81.3 x 36.9 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2867

Chinese and Japanese works of art were not always left untouched once they arrived in Europe. In some cases they were combined with European pieces as craftsmen and collectors sought to express several fashionable art historical traditions in a single object. This extraordinary item combines pieces of Asian porcelain with a French clock. Two large Chinese turquoise lions or 'dogs of Fo' (often wrongly referred to as 'kylins', a Chinese mythical beast) support a Chinese bowl, whose bottom has been replaced with a clock dial. Above the dial is a Japanese porcelain Hotei (god of luck) seated between two boys. The clock was displayed in the Saloon at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton by the future George IV (1762–1830) and in the reign of Queen Victoria given pride of place on the elaborate marble chimneypiece in the Chinese Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.