Renaissance Revival style ormolu and champlevé enamel clock set

The mantelpiece set—which comprises of a clock and pair of vases—is designed in a Renaissance Revival style. The ormolu (gilt bronze) clock stands on four bun feet. Its case is of rectangular form with a break arch top, and its corners are flanked by stylised free-standing columns on plinths. The base of the case and the column plinths are decorated with geometric and foliate patterns from turquoise, red, navy and black champlevé enamel. 

Champlevé enamel designs decorate the body of the clock case, taking the form of stylised red flowers, green foliage, navy diamonds and turquoise scrollwork, within a black border, topped by a turquoise palmette. The sides of the clock case are similarly decorated. At the centre of the case, there is a circular dial with a floral champlevé enamel centre encircled by black Roman Numerals. This dial is inscribed with the retailer’s name, ‘SIMMONS, MANCHESTER & PARIS’. The columns that stand at the corners of the case feature slender, shaped shafts with bulbous lower sections, crowned by stylised leafy capitals. These columns are topped by rounded, pointed finials.

The clock case’s break-arch top is surmounted by a sculpture of a seated cherub. Behind this figure, there is a cylindrical feature with a domed cover, which is decorated with colourful champlevé enamel patterns and crowned by a shaped pointed finial.

Accompanying the clock are two ormolu vases, which are of matching design. The vases stand on foliate splayed feet, set on circular bases on scrolled feet. They feature ovoid bodies with waisted necks, and they are mounted with handles decorated with foliage and classical masks. The splayed feet, bodies and necks of the vases are covered with champlevé enamel ornament, including stylised scrolling turquoise and navy vines, red and turquoise floral motifs, and shaped black frames.

Clock: Height 42cm, width 21cm, depth 17cm
Vases: Height 31cm, width 16cm, depth 10cm