Japonisme patinated bronze and champlevé enamel mantel clock

This charming mantel clock is crafted from patinated bronze and champlevé enamel in the distinctive Japonisme style. The case is architecturally formed, with a rectangular body surmounted by a roof-form ‘cushion’ top. The case features a pierced, scrolling patinated bronze cornice, with the cushion top above surmounted by a recumbent Dog of Fo. The corners of the case feature undulating rustic foliage decoration, while the rectangular stepped platform base features a pierced apron. The bronze throughout is warming patinated, with hints of partial gilding on occasion.

Strikingly, the surfaces of the clock case are adorned with fine champlevé enamel work: peonies and carnations are set above a key fret turquoise ground, with royal blue borders around each enamel panel. The clock is a wonderful example for the Japanese taste that stirred European art and design during the latter decades of the 19th century.