Rare Bronze Mounted Imari Porcelain
Clock Set ~ Samuel Marti

~ Japanese / French- Circa 1890 ~

~~ Excellent condition, fully overhauled ~~

A very large, rare and impressive original antique clock set. The bodies are stunning Japanese Imari porcelain mounted with finely gilded bronze. Candelabra are formed from a matching pair of Japanese Imari porcelain jars of inverted pear form covered with a high domed lid. The clock is housed in a matching, but larger jar. The body is beautifully decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze rust-red enamel and gilt highlights.

The vases sit on heavy gilded bronze bases with scrolled feet. The clock is surmounted by a winged mythical creatures and has a pair of lions mask handles. Candelabra are surmounted by four elegantly scrolled branches. The gilding is in lovely fresh and bright condition which contrasts beautifully with the Imari porcelain.

The dial is also gilt brass with 12 individual enamel cartouches and blued steel hands. It is mounted in a heavy gilt bronze surround and is covered with convex glass.

The French movement is by Samuel Marti and has the makers mark on the movement backplate. It is of high quality and is in excellent clean and running condition having been fully overhauled by our clockmaker. Pendulum is an old replacement. It runs for 8 days and strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Click the video clip below to hear the bell and watch the clock running!

Condition of the case is excellent, the original gilding is beautifully clean and bright with hardly any wear or discolouration and there are no losses. The Imari porcelain is also in excellent condition with the usual slight wear to the overglaze gilt decoration. There is a tiny chip on the edge of the hole made for the back door that isn't quite covered by rim of the door, this isn't noticeable. The dial is also in excellent condition just with no damage. Candelabra are slightly distorted. The set makes a stunning display as you can see below. 

  
Samuel Marti mark on the movement backplate along with the retailers mark

Complete with pendulum, bell and a suitable key. Full setting up instructions supplied if required.