Japy Freres Furniture

Elegant French Victorian era gilt bronze mounted alabaster antique mantel clock / shelf clock, attributed to master Parisian sculptor P.H. Mourey (1840-1910), with movement by renowned clockmaker Japey Frères (1776-1930s) circa 1870 Paris, France, second half of the 19th century, executed in luxurious Louis XVI taste, tastefully appointed, the neutral alabaster creates the perfect backdrop against the brilliant gilding. Having a soft, warm, creamy off-white alabaster base with subtle chalky beige undertones, shaped, with rounded sides, step molding and two hand-painted blue enamel parcel gilt turned tapering urn forms, raised on brass feet, decorated with lavish gilt metal ornamentation, including accents, ormolu flaming urn finials, unique recessed gilt brass perforated-like textured panels, and sculptural gilt bronze raised drum-form case, housing the classic white porcelain enameled dial with black Roman numerals, sophisticated gold-tone Breguet hands, framed by a beaded bezel, with must likely the original operational 8-day key-wind Japy Fils movement enclosed. Surmounted by an ornate brilliantly gilded spelter figural sculpture, finely detailed, depicting young boy and girl courting, holding a bird's nest with eggs over the housing, with large branching tree behind them, the couple posed leaning in to each other, wavy garb with incised detailing, standing on the alabaster base. Philippe H. Mourey (French, 1840-1910) was a master French sculptor, who produced a range of fine decorative art objects in the late 19th century. His work often combines painted porcelain panels and gilt metal mounts, similar to elements of this piece. PH Mourey was best known for his association with Japy Freres & Co. the noted 19th century Paris Clockmaker, and maker of this clocks movement. Mourey’s work can be viewed in various museums, especially in France, as well as major art collections, including the Royal Collection Trust in London. The Japy Frères workshop (1776-1930s) was started by Frédéric Japy in 1776 under a different name, eventually the iconic French clock and watchmaking firm was founded in 1806 by Frédéric Japy along with his sons, Pierre, Fritz and Louis, thus creating the trademark we know today, ‘Japy Freres’ or (Japy Brothers). Japy Frères won a number of medals at important exhibitions and achieved international recognition throughout much of the nineteenth century, including the prestigious Grand Medal of Honour, which was awarded to Japy in 1855 at the important Exposition Universelle Paris. - MARKS / SIGNED / HALLMARKED: Works stamped "Japy Fils depos 1855 medailler 1844 1840" circular medallion; "RS" within square, "2949" "55" Case housing: stamped "44", case underside "44" written in pencil, incised "IX", elaborate illegible writing in pencil, last word may say "Richebois?", possibly where the clock was to be sent or who it was commissioned by PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: 09/2024- Acquired from the reputable auction house, Dallas Auction Gallery, Dallas Texas. Great Estates, Fine Art, Furniture & Design auction catalog, lot#0064 Owned and curated by Reyne Hirsch, a long time media personality and expert in 20th century decorative arts. Hirsch was a top appraiser for Antiques Roadshow on PBS for 13 years. She's also a leading contributer to the Huffington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, amongst other publications. Hirsch has also founded highly regarded permanent art galleries as well as important exhibits throughout the United States. DIMENSIONS: (approx) 12" Tall, 12" Wide, 5" Deep CONDITION REPORT: Good original unrestored antique condition, especially considering its age, attractive appearance, patina, bright lustrous gilding, and working movement. Nicely aged patina over the whole, antique character and charm throughout, including rubbing to blue enamel with significant losses, age related patination, oxidation, tarnishing throughout, minor chips, nicks, abrasions to alabaster edges, all typical wear consistent with age, use, handling and exposure. Currently working, observed operating over long periods and keeping accurate time. Key, pendulum and bell included. Please note, as with all antique clocks...

Very rare, perfectly running and sculptural, French Art Deco marble pendulum clock. Movement: Japy Frères (1806-1930) If you are looking for an attractive antique mantel clock to g...

A beautiful 19th Century French Mantel Clock. Features a seated woman in the thinker position. She is wearing a large flowing dress, sitting on a Klismos chair with footed raised ove...

A beautiful original gilt bronze antique French clock in the neoclassical style of Louis XVI by the renown maker Japy Frères. Architecturally designed and profusely decorated with ac...

A fabulous French antique, circa 1850, Sevres style porcelain mounted gilt metal mantel clock by Parisian sculptor and merchant Louis Hottot (1829-1905), with stamped Japy Freres sil...

Antqiue late 19th Century French Japy Freres gilt brass enameled mantel clock featuring neoclassical styling with polychrome champleve enamel accents, four columns with spire finials, beveled glass sides and trophy vase topper. Stamped with Japy Freres Medaille D'honneur stamp. Eight day striking movement. 9470. Made in France. Japy Freres was founded in 1806 by Frédéric and his sons. Frédéric Japy (1749-1812) was a pioneer in the ""art"" of industrialisation and manufacturing. Watches/clocks were made individually, by hand, by one or more people and then assembled. Japy Freres manufactured their clocks and watches in one place on a production line using machines...

A stunning original antique French gilt bronze clock by the renown maker Japy Frères. A beautiful Louis XVI classical design, with curved fretted sides, scrolling brackets and a cher...

A stunning original antique French clock by Japy Frères. It is beautifully made in gilded bronze in the Louis XV style. Waisted case with a fretted front to allow a glimpse of the pe...

PRESENTING A STUNNING mid to late 19C French Japy Freres & Red/Magenta Sevres Porcelain Mantle Clock with Garniture Candlestick Ewers. The clock movement is by the famous Parisienne Clockmaker … ‘Japy Freres’ and the clock dial has the marks for “JAY” (short for Japy Freres) & “Paris” on the dial face. The clock mechanism and clock face/dial have matching serial numbers of “7225”. The movement also has the numbers: “5 – 2”. The clock face/dial also has the initials: “D.H.”. The gilt ormolu clock case is gilt spelter and is signed on the rear base, for having been made by “P.H. Mourey” of Paris, who worked with and for ‘Japy Freres’, towards the end of the 19th Century. The signature of ‘Mourey’ also bears the numbers “85” … probably for 1885, but could also be the serial number. Taking into account Mourey’s historical association with Japy, being late 19th Century, we are leaning heavily towards this being the date of manufacture i.e. 1885. The Clock has RARE red/magenta Sevres hand-painted porcelain paintings/additions, to include:- (i) a 2 handled and lidded urn on the crown with pointed flame finial, (ii) a pair of bulbous urns either side of the main body and clock face, (iii) the clock face and dial itself and (iv) a flat rectangular medallion on the front base. The crown urn and the base medallion both have similar themes, but different painted scenes, depicting French rural countryside scenes with cottages, rivers and bridges. The porcelain urns on the sides, likewise have hand-painted images of a young boy, in rustic period attire on the right and a young girl on the left. None of these paintings appear to be signed. The clock case has GLORIOUS detail to it, with scrolls, ribbons, vines, grapes and Corinthian columns. The clock sits on a custom made gilt wood and burgundy velvet plinth, that is original to the piece and was a common accent with ‘Japy Freres Clocks’, when originally retailed in their Paris shop. The rear of the clock is plain and the perspex/clear resin plate insert, is a new addition, but a nice addition, in that it allows one, to view the movement and pendulum works. The clock is an 8 day movement with a strike on the hour and half hour. The clock face has 2 winding holes … one for the pendulum movement and the other for the striking chime/ring. Unlike British clocks this clock does not have a long musical chime … it is a simple ‘single strike’ on the half hour. The red/magenta Sevres porcelain clock face/dial is in SUPERB condition. Roman numerals with gilt accents and a hand-painted circular wreath/bouquet of spring flowers on the center section. To complete the set, we have a matching pair of gilt ormolu spelter and hand-painted red/magenta Sevres porcelain Ewers … which can hold a single candle each. The porcelain urns on the central section, have hand-painted images of a young lady in rustic period attire … fishing on the riverbank on the right and a young man playing the flute in the countryside on the left. The front base medallions on each ewer have hand-painted wreaths/bouquets of spring flowers. The clock facing side of the porcelain urn on each Ewer, has a brass ormolu applique head, of the Greek god of wine-making, orchards and fruit, vegetation, fertility, festivity, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, and theatre, namely, Dionysus. The plinths are signed on the rear top left corner, and we think they read: “R.P. Unfaut”. They also bear the numbers “61” and “69”, Again, possibly for 1861 and 1869, but here we think it is more likely they are serial numbers, as it is highly unlikely that a matching pair were made 8 years apart! Whilst we cannot find any information on ‘R.P. Unfaut’, we can only guess that he/she/they worked with, or for, ‘Japy Freres’, as these ewers are unmistakably, a ‘superb’ match for the clock! The style, subject matter, gold banding and edging, around the paintings, are virtually ‘identical’ to the same decorations on the clock’s porcelain paintings. The Ewer on the left (with the boy playing the flute) appears to have a faded signature on the gold border of the painting towards the base and we think it is the signature of ‘Alexandre Evariste Fragonard’ …. one of the best known artists attached to Sevres in the mid 19th Century … meaning, that these Ewers were probably made circa 1845-50. The quality and detail to these 2 paintings is classic Fragonard! We are of the opinion, therefore that these garnitures, were made circa 35/40 years before the clock, as Mourey was prevalent with Japy around 1880 – 1900. The clock paintings are of a very similar, rustic ‘Fragonard Style’ subject matter and although unsigned, could possibly have been painted by a Sevres artist, to replicate the Fragonard paintings...

A magnificent ormolu (finely gilded bronze) and Sèvres style porcelain clock by renown maker Japy Frères. It is of a beautifully chic design, four turned corner columns with a cushio...

A fabulous over one hundred and sixty year old Parisian neoclassical style Bardiglio marble three piece mantel set. Born in Paris, France in the mid 19th century, featuring an an...

A stunning original antique French Rococo clock by Japy Frères. It is beautifully sculptured with finely finished scrolls, curves and acanthus leaves in finely gilded bronze. To the ...

Immerse yourself in the opulence of the 19th century with this exceptional French Bronze and Black Marble Figural Mantel Clock. Crafted with meticulous artistry, this clock stands as a testament to an era where beauty, design, and function converged in breathtaking harmony. The distinguished bronze and black marble case...

Unique Napoleon III Gilt Bronze and Hand Painted Porcelain Mantel clock C.1870's by Japy Freres This impressive mantel clock in the Napoleon III taste with Sèvres style celeste blue...

A lovely painted metal clock dial with original hands by Japy Frères. Recovered by our buyer from a crumbling and forgotten French industrial building, it bares the scars of a hard l...

Let me say that I feel this is the most amazing clock I have seen in over 30 years. The clock case is signed Barbedienne Paris. The clock works are signed with a medallion from Japy ...

Transport yourself to the grandeur of the 19th century with this exquisite French Marble and Bronze Figural Mantel Clock. A true masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, this clock...

A charming antique French wall clock by the famous maker Japy Freres. Beautifully modelled with leafy scrolls and flowers and painted with gold lacquer with the flowers picked out in...

French Tortoiseshell Boulle Clock c.1860 Waisted case veneered with red tortoiseshell with finely figured brass and ormolu mounts, surmounted w...

A very important French gilt bronze and Rouge marble figural mantel clock by Japy Frères Movement: Japy Frères (1806-1930) Origin: French Date: 19th century Dimension: 30 3/4 i...

Introducing the Japy Frères et Cie Empire Mantle Clock, a remarkable timepiece with a rich history and exquisite craftsmanship. This antique clock is a true representation of the Empire style, showcasing the exceptional artistry and design prevalent during the 19th century. The movement of this clock is a testament to its prestigious heritage, bearing the registered mark Grande Médaille d'honneur 1855, earned at the renowned Paris Exposition universelle of 1855. This recognition signifies the superior quality and precision of the clock's movement, a hallmark of Japy Frères et Cie's dedication to horological excellence. The clock's case is crafted from black Belgian marble, displaying medallions featuring the Arethusa head type, inspired by ancient Greek coinage, specifically the decadrachm from Syracuse, Sicilia, minted circa 400 BC. These historical motifs, combined with the Empire style's characteristic elements such as tiger feet...

Rosewood Campaign Clock, Savoine a Paris Rosewood campaign clock with satinwood line stringing and floral marquetry standing on a moulded plinth. Glazed viewing aperture to the to o...

A Garniture de Cheminee by Japy Freres et Cie Constructed in two color gold ormolu, comprising a richly decorated mantle clock and two candelabra in ...

Unusual French 24 Hour Four Glass Mantel Clock French four glass clock housed in a bow fronted brass case with beautifully figured marble top ...

Late 19th century french gilt bronze/ormolu cloisonné champlevé enameled mantle clock garniture set by Japy Frères By: Japy Frères Material: bronze, enamel, glass, metal, ormolu, paint, cork Technique: cast, champlevé, cloissoné, cold-painted, enameled, gilt, hand-painted, metalwork, molded Dimensions: 6 in x 19.5 in x 15 in Date: late 19th century, circa 1890 Style: Napoleon III, Rococo Revival, Neoclassicism, Louis XVI, Empire Place of origin: France The Japy family is a french industrial dynasty originally from Beaucourt in the Territoire de Belfort. They owned the second largest french company in terms of capital during the Second Empire. Its influential members left their mark on the french industrial landscape through numerous innovations, particularly in clockmaking, typewriters and pumps, as well as in labor organization and workers' social life in the 19th century. This magnificent late 19th century french mantle clock garniture, work of the eminent Japy family, radiates the opulent decorative style of the Rococo Revival. A four glass...

19th Century French brass mounted Louis XV-style mantel clock, by Japy Freres. Decorated in the Vernis Martin style with Watteauesque-style scene of a young courtship couple beneath...

An Exhibition Quality Garniture de Cheminée By Jules Graux of Paris Of important size and supreme quality, the mantle clock constructed from white Carr...

A beautiful, classically designed antique French gilt bronze clock set by Japy Frères. It features oval panels to the sides showing Fortun...

Oval champleve decorated four glass mantel clock. French four glass mantel clock housed in a brass oval shaped case with sky blue ch...

Classical Meissen porcelain and gilt bronze clock by Japy Frères Grand Med D'Honneur. Made in France, 19th Century. *Each porcelain has its correspondent stamp / signed. Dimensions:...

French four glass clock standing on a raised base with beaded decoration and fine Champleve enamel decoration to the pillars and bezel with fur...

Art Deco Mahogany Mantel Clock Art Deco mahogany mantel clock housed in a break arch case with geometric fan inlay standing on block feet. Chrome b...

A superb original antique French Rococo clock by the famous maker Japy Freres, circa 1890. Beautifully detailed bronze case with C scrolls, acanthus and shell motifs. A charming cherub is seated to the top plays pipes. Fretted sound panels...

An antique French bronzed spelter clock set with its pair of matching gilt candelabra / garniture. The finely cast figurine of a lady holding a manuscript is entitled Poésie and ...

French gilt ormolu mantle clock with beautiful champlevé decoration with turned pilasters, architectural pediment with four turned finials. Gilded chapter ring with Roman numerals...

Black Forest carved mantel clock Black Forest mantel clock beautifully hand carved with fine attention to detail depicting a farmyard scene with a hen and chick feeding and a cock...

A Symbolic clock in the Louis XVI style By Japy Fréres et Cie. The finely chased ormolu case encompassing pink porcelain panels decorated with beads to the face and sides; the wh...

A French Rococo chinoiserie style three-piece gilt bronze and porcelain clock garniture, circa 1900, comprising a gilt bronze mantel (fireplace) clock surmounted with turquoise glaze...

A table clock in the Louis XVI Manner By Japy Frères The finely chased ormolu case is dressed with pink 'Sèvres' style hand decorated polychrome panels to the face and sides, dep...

This beautiful clock set is designed in a fanciful Japanese style, known in France in the 19th Century as ‘Japonisme’. The style became highly fashionable in Europe after 1853, when ...