Antique gilt metal and painted porcelain red clock set

The set is composed of a mantel clock and a pair of vases. The mantel clock features a gilt metal rectangular case with a break-arch top, which stands on four gilt metal paw feet. The space between the two front feet is decorated with a gilt metal cartouche, featuring a classical female mask, flanked by stylised acanthus leaf swags.  

The front of the clock is mounted with a porcelain plaque which is finely painted with a courting scene, depicting a young couple in a garden setting. Above the plaque, there is a circular porcelain dial which is painted red and features black Roman Numerals in parcel gilt white medallions. The centre of the dial is decorated with a colourful flower wreath which is set against a white ground, within gilt borders. The porcelain dial is framed by a gilt metal egg-and-dart bezel. Flanking the clock case are two classical columns, with gilt metal bases and capitals, and painted porcelain shafts. The clock case is crowned by a gilt metal wreath and a pair of birds. It is also topped by a classical red-painted porcelain urn which is covered with gilt metal draperies and surmounted by a gilt metal pinecone finial.

Accompanying the mantel clock are a pair of vases. The vases feature triangular gilt metal bases, which are decorated with painted porcelain plaques, and set on gilt metal paw feet. These plaques feature picturesque paintings of landscapes dotted with mill buildings and cottages. The bases are topped by porcelain vases which stand on gilt metal stems. The vases’ red porcelain bodies are painted with colourful birds and flowers against white grounds. The vases are mounted with twin gilt metal handles and are topped by gilt metal covers with pinecone finials.

Clock: Height 41cm, width 22cm, depth 13cm
Vases: Height 32cm, width 14cm, depth 11cm