Antique Meissen porcelain mantel clock

This fine mantel clock by Meissen is crafted from superbly wrought polychrome porcelain. The clock features a large circular white enamel dial inscribed with Roman numeral hour indices and encompassed by an ormolu border. The dial is set into a profusely decorated porcelain case: the porcelain around the dial features a rocaille above and a surround of encrusted flowers and buds visited by a bird. The case is surmounted by a wonderfully ornate floriate bouquet.

The lower section of the case features four figures, two of whom dance while two play musical instruments—a typical Rococo style fête galante scene. The case is raised on a base encrusted with yet more flowers, above legs wrought to resemble rocaille forms.

The underside of the case is inscribed with blue underglaze crossed swords for Meissen and the number ‘14’ in red ink.