Japonisme Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
JAPONISME STYLE
In the late 19th and early 20th century, France developed an enduring passion for Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Not only did this interpretation of Japanese culture — which became known as Japonisme — infuse fresh energy into French art and design, but it also radically transformed how Europeans, and subsequently the world, would come to understand visual culture.
Until 1853, Japan had been closely guarded against foreign visitors for over two centuries. However, American Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed into Japan that year and initiated the first of its treaties with the United States and Europe, thereby opening its borders and giving the West its first-ever look at Japanese design.
For the next few decades, taken with Japonisme, sophisticated collectors in Paris, New York and elsewhere gorged themselves on lacquered screens, celadon ceramics and netsuke ornaments, along with artworks depicting various aspects of Japanese life. The East Asian country’s influence on Europe, particularly France, contributed to one of the most creatively prosperous periods in history, leaving an imprint on the Impressionist, Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, and inspiring artists like Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh as well as luxury houses such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Japonisme emerged at the time when the ornate Renaissance Revival style was the most prominent mode of decorating in Europe, and Japanese aesthetics seemed strikingly modern and elegant in comparison.
In addition to everyday practical objects from Japan, such as vases, tableware and decorative boxes, Japanese art, especially Japanese woodblock prints by masters of the ukiyo-e school, caught the eye of many artists — particularly those in the Art Nouveau poster community in 1880s Paris. The luscious organic colors associated with traditional Japanese design, motifs like cherry blossoms and carp and the vivid patterns found in woodblock prints, silks and more were adopted and appropriated by painters as well as ceramicists and those working in other fields of the decorative arts. Today, demand for Japanese lacquerware — furniture, trays, writing boxes, screens, incense burners — from the Edo period (1615–1868) and the late 19th century continues to be very strong among collectors.
Find a collection of antique Japonisme furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
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Style: Japonisme
Antique Japanese Bronze Barrel Form Table or Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Very unique antique (late 19th to early 20th century) table or mantel clock in the Japonisme style, possibly of continental origin, in the form of a Japanese drum or barrel on stand,...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Japonisme Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Bronze
A 19 C. French Japonisme Clock Garniture, Att. E. Cornu, Style of Édouard Lièvre
Located in New York, NY
A 19th-Century French Japonisme Three-Piece Figural Garniture Clock Set Attributed to Eugène Cornu, in the Style of Édouard Lièvre. Consisting of a mantel clock and a pair of matchin...
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1870s French Antique Japonisme Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
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French Japanism Champleve Enamel Ormolu Mounted Clock, Christofle & Cie, 1800s
Located in New York, NY
French Japanism Champlevé Enamel Ormolu Mounted Clock, Christofle & Cie. The clock consists of a spherical champlevé enamel body mounted in an ormolu structure. The enamel surface i...
Category
19th Century French Antique Japonisme Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Ormolu, Enamel
Japanese Style Gilt Brass Clock Set with Silvered Brass and Porcelain Mounts
Located in London, GB
This Japanese style clock set was crafted in France in circa 1880. The set consists of a central clock, which is accompanied by two vases.
The central clock features a gilt brass rectangular body with a pitched top, like a pavilion roof. The roof is mounted with wavy, silvered brass forms, and topped by a silvered brass ball finial, with a pointed end, which is bracketed by wavy forms.
Mounted onto the four corners of the clock’s front facade are silvered dragons and cloud-like motifs. The central panel is recessed, and contains the gilt brass circular clock dial, inscribed with Roman Numerals. The centre of the clock dial is decorated with embossed flowers and a circular, red form, with a painting of a bird at its centre. The dial is signed with the retailer’s name, ‘ALEX'R M HAYS, NEW YORK’. The space below the dial is ornamented with relief flowers, a black porcelain triangle, which is overlaid with floral designs, and a dark blue porcelain fan, decorated with buildings. They are accompanied by the porcelain figure of a Japanese woman, wearing a kimono and seated at a koto.
Similar recessed panels, featuring porcelain birds and coloured geometric forms, decorate the sides of the clock body. These are mounted with wavy, silvered brass shapes, which serve as handles. The clock body is set on a rectangular, silvered brass base, which is raised up on four bracket feet, and features a cloud-like silvered brass apron.
The vases that accompany the clock have tall, soft-edged rectangular bodies, and are decorated in a similar style to the central clock. They likewise feature silvered brass finials, handles and bases, and gilt brass bodies, which are decorated with embossed flowers, geometric painted porcelain shapes, and Japanese figures. Unlike the clock, however, the vases feature full-length portraits of standing Japanese figures. One vase depicts a woman, who wears a kimono and raised wooden shoes (geta), and who holds a parasol and fan. On the other vase, the image shows a man dressed in a haroi jacket, with a kosode and trousers underneath, and sandals on his feet. He holds a knife and circular, metal shield, and carries a katana sword...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Japonisme Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Brass
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19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mantle Clock Garniture Set
Located in Forney, TX
A luxurious French Louis XVI style gilt bronze ormolu and alabaster (onyx-marble) three piece mantle clock and garniture set, possibly attributed to Raingo Freres.
The fine quality antique originating in France in the late 19th century, exquisite Parisian work, exceptionally executed in opulent, elegant, and sophisticated King Louis XVI style, timeless neoclassical taste, comprising: classical architectural case mantel clock, having pointed bronze doré finial, flanked by scrolled foliates and lyre motifs, fancy enamel dial with Arabic numerals, inscribed F. Lapointe, Paris, eight-day time-and-strike movement signed Samuel Marti 1900 (Paris, 1870-1890), original Apollo mask sun-burst pendulum hanging below clock drum, flanked by matched pair of two arm candlestick garnitures, each with matching scrolled foliates and lyre finial, tapering column support with two candle nozzles, rising on stepped molded base, terminating in patinated brass disc feet.
Markings:
Pendulum stamped "R" "1721" ormolu on clock & garnitures stamped "1321"; possibly attributed to R. Freres / Raingo Freres.
Dial signed by French enameller "F. Lapointe, Paris"
Movement stamped by the firm of well-known French clockmaker Samuel Marti et Cie, Paris, second half of 19th century.
Dimensions: (approx)
As pictured:
18.5" High, 36" Wide, 5.5" Deep; 27.5 lbs total.
Clock:
18.5" High, 13" Wide, 5.5" Deep;
Candelabra garnitures: (each)
12" High, 8" Wide, 4.25" Deep;
Condition:
Presents splendidly. Great original unrestored antique condition. Currently not operating as it's lacking a suspension spring. Retaining bell, pendulum, and key. Losses to decorative elements. Wear consistent with age and use.
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Japonisme table clocks and desk clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Japonisme table clocks and desk clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage table clocks and desk clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Japonisme table clocks and desk clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original table clocks and desk clocks, popular names associated with this style include and Cristalleries De Baccarat. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for table clocks and desk clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11,769 and tops out at $61,159 while the average work can sell for $36,464.