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...
Category
20th Century Bay Area