Antique French ormolu and champlevé enamel clock set

This mantelpiece set is comprised of a clock and a pair of flanking candelabra, which have been crafted from ormolu (gilt bronze) and finely decorated with champlevé enamel.

The clock features a rectangular body, with a shaped apron and break-arch top, which is set on four scrolled legs. The clock’s body is decorated, on its front and sides, with champlevé enamel decorations, depicting colourful birds and flowers offset against a light blue background. These designs are framed by navy champlevé enamel borders which contain gold, red and white geometric and floral patterns. Within the arch on the front of the clock’s body, there is a circular dial. This features a navy champlevé enamel border and light blue centre, which is overlaid with black Roman Numerals within gilt cartouches, decorated with red dots. The dial is fitted with hour and minute hands and set within a plain bezel. Shaped handles, enamelled with navy, red and white designs, top the clock’s shoulders. The clock is crowned by a vase-shaped finial which is decorated with floral champlevé enamel motifs.

The pair of candelabra are designed in a similar style to the clock. Each candelabrum stands on a square base, set on four scrolled feet. The bodies of the candelabra have waisted bases and bulbous tops, which are fitted with elephant mask handles. Their bodies are decorated with champlevé enamel birds and plants, placed against light blue backgrounds and framed by navy borders. Each candelabrum features four candleholders which are supported on scrolled arms, decorated with champlevé enamel flowers. These candleholders are composed of frilled drip-pans and urn-shaped capitals, encircled by floral enamel bands. The shaped stems of the candelabra are partly enamelled and they are crowned by navy champlevé enamel ring finials, topped by pierced ruyi head motifs.

Clock: Height 44cm, width 22.5cm, depth 15.5cm
Candelabra: Height 43cm, width 19cm, depth 18cm