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Massive Chinese Ormolu High Relief Gilt Bronze Automaton Musical Clock
About the Item
Massive Chinese Ormolu High Relief Bronze Elephant Automaton Music Bracket Clock
A truly magnificent Chinese Guangzhou studio automaton clock , large triple deck body supported on the back of four elephants , extremely ornate bronze case, floral relief, paste-set around the automaton windows and dial, ormolu bronze case, automaton glass waterfall and swimming ducks on the front and both sides, music plays hourly, palm trees on each corners spins as part of the automaton as well.
Case: heavy bronze with ormolu gold gilt with large elephants
Dial: porcelain dial with Roman numerals
Clock Mechanism: 8 day mechanical movement with quarter striking, with studio mark
Automaton: plays hourly, 3 large windows on the low deck showing spinning twisted glass tube to imitate waterfall, horizontal glass tubes made to look like river with animating ducks, very impression automaton, palm trees on the corners of upper decks rapidly spin as part of the automaton, 2 ribbons spinning on the center of top double gourd. Music box playing to accompany the automaton, making it a treat for both eyes and ears.
Condition: clock is currently cleaned and in proper working order, automaton and music are playing properly as well, however, a professional adjustment is highly recommended after delivery.
Literature: From the time the first clocks were brought to China from Europe around 1582, the Chinese Emperors were fascinated with European mechanical clockworks. As objects of curiosity and items of luxury, these early clocks incorporated mechanisms including music and animated figures. European clocks were called "zimingzhong' or "self-sounding bells" by the Chinese for their musical chimes and striking bells and known as "singsong" clocks by the British. Contemporary sources suggest that by the end of the first quarter of the eighteenth century, clocks in the Palace numbered in their thousands. The Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736-1795) in particular was an avid collector of all types of timepieces and automatons and his enthusiasm for both European and Chinese-made clocks and watches was limitless. He had thousands of European and Chinese clocks in his collection that were aimed at mesmerizing the beholder and prized for their novelty and design. More than 4,000 examples existed in the Imperial Palaces and their chiming was heard throughout the day. These magnificent timepieces rank among the most extravagant clocks ever made, combining Western and Chinese decorative elements. The cases, of highly decorative ormolu, were often further embellished with brightly colored enamels and paste gems, the rich designs matching equally elaborate and complex clockworks and mechanical movements including musical movements and automata. Representing the Emperor's power and status, they were also regarded as the epitome of Western style and design. By the middle part of the eighteenth century, the fashion for Western clocks had disseminated from the Imperial Court to the elite of Chinese society, often rivaling the Emperor's own collection of clocks.
Reference:
1. Classics of The Forbidden City, Timepieces in the Imperial Palace, edited by The Palace Museum The Forbidden City Publishing House, 2008.
2. Christie’s Hong Kong 2008, Magnificent Clocks for the Imperial Chinese Court from the Nezu Museum
3. Beijing Council International Auction, Heavenly Creations – Porcelain Crafts, Boutique, June 4th , 2017 Lot 3963.
- Dimensions:Height: 35.44 in (90 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 14.97 in (38 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1900s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Danville, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8064232402222
About the Seller
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1stDibs seller since 2023
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Danville, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
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