A mantel clock within a Shibyama-inlaid wood frame


Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryMade for the European market, the circular glass-front door panel with bevelled edge and gilt-brass bezel surrounding a circular ivory dial with gilt-brass hands and gilt Japanese numerals in circular cartouches, with an outer minute marker, centred by two winding squares, the frosted glass circular rear door, revealing the Brocot-style escapement stamped 34524 J.W.B and twin-barrel going train, with a gilt-brass striking hammer on a detachable bell stamped 'B', striking both the hour and half hour, a hinged door on the reverse at the bottom of the case for viewing the pendulum bob stamped the same as the movement, all within a lacquered and Shibayama-style frame decorated with two shell-inlaid quail among autumnal plants, six ivory monkeys clambering over and around the frame. 47.5cm x 37.5cm (18 5/8in x 14¾in).
|ProvenanceAn English private collection.