This small mantel clock features a curved case richly decorated with Boulle marquetry, with decorative brass motifs contrasting against the tortoiseshell background. Bronze foliage and female heads at the four corners, terminating in stylized feet, accentuate the contours. The top is crowned with a gilt bronze sculpted figure of a child seated on a ball. The whole rests on a detached base, also in Boulle marquetry. The circular dial is punctuated with blue Roman numerals and accompanied by openwork hands.
Boulle marquetry refers to a refined decorative technique popularized by the cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle during the reign of Louis XIV. It typically combines contrasting materials, notably brass and tortoiseshell, sometimes complemented by other materials, cut into motifs and then assembled as veneers. Highly prized for its brilliance and the delicacy of its arabesques, this technique was widely adopted in the 19th century, particularly during the reign of Napoleon III.
Condition report : significant wear to the gilding; mechanism in working order.
Delivery
Europe: €200
US/Canada/HK: €350
Rest of the world: Price upon request
- Reference :
- 3653
- Width :
- 24 (cm)
- Height :
- 49 (cm)
- Depth :
- 15 (cm)
- Era:
- 19th century
- Style:
- Napoleon III
- Materials:
- tortoiseshell, brass
