Monumental Japy Frères Ormolu Chinoiserie Clock
French, c. 1870, with Chinese Porcelain, c. 1800
Ormolu, porcelain, bronze, and silvered bronze
39 × 24 ½ × 14 in.
This rare and monumental French clock was created by Japy Frères, one of 19th-century Europe’s most lauded makers. Combining multiple traditions and techniques, the clock features an imported Chinese blanc de chine porcelain group of three Daoist immortals (Shoulao, Fuxing, and Caishen) in a dragon boat, dating from the late 18th century. Around them, finely painted porcelain blossoms are mounted on a gilt bronze framework of scrolling vines, leaves, grapes, and perched birds. Supporting the ensemble are four monumental Bactrian camels cast in bronze and silvered bronze.
Clocks of this caliber were exhibited at world fairs and remain in the collections of the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Huntington Library, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs. This example reflects both Europe’s fascination with Chinese porcelain and the inventive virtuosity of French bronze casters and clockmakers during the height of the Chinoiserie revival.
