Large and impressive Louis XVI style malachite and ormolu mantel clock

Of late nineteenth century French origins, this magnificent ormolu and malachite veenered mantel clock is made in the Louis XVI style, with the movement bearing a pastille mark indicating that it is probably the work of the leading makers Japy Frères.

The clock is set within an elaborate rectangular case, bearing a later malachite veneer. The top is swept with a floral wreath surmount, an arrow-quiver trophy, and four foliate urns to each corner. On the front it features twin draped putti, in between which an oval-shaped cartouche crests the case above the enamelled dial. The canted corners are joined by floral pendant garlands, tied and pinned with fruiting ribbons, and the facade is set with foliate scrolled mounts. Small female maskheads sit above each of the four canted corners, and the piece is mounted on foliate toupie feet beneath a swept ormolu frieze and base.

The enamel dial itself is decorated with floral garlands between the Arabic numerals, set with an outer five-minute track. An indistinct pastille mark identifies it as likely the work of Japy Frères. Of an unusually imposing design, the strong body of the clock is complemented by the delicate sculptural work that mounts it, and combines the beautifully radiant quality of gilt bronze with the warm, deep tones of a precious malachite veneer: a beautiful and impressive decorative piece indeed.