{"product_id":"french-napoleon-iii-gilt-bronze-three-piece-clock-garniture-with-japy-freres-movement-france-18-5-in","title":"French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Garniture with Japy Frères Movement - France - 18.5 in","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptionally elaborate French three-piece mantel clock garniture dating to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1870, comprising a monumental mantel clock and its original pair of five-light candelabra.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRichly conceived in the historicist taste of the Napoleon III period, the ensemble is distinguished by an extraordinary density of sculptural and architectural ornament. The clock is constructed as an elaborate architectural composition, its circular white enamel dial framed by a finely ornamented gilt surround and flanked by tall, fluted classical columns.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticularly striking is the large central decorative panel beneath the dial. It is modelled in high relief with a classical female mask emerging from an elaborate symmetrical arrangement of scrolling acanthus foliage, flowers and arabesques. The ornament continues throughout the case, with floral garlands, foliate scrolls, palmettes, beading, moulded borders and richly worked architectural details creating an exceptionally opulent surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe upper section is crowned by a substantial classical urn with a domed cover and finial. Its fluted and lobed body is surrounded by sweeping foliate handles terminating in flame-like elements, giving the clock a particularly imposing vertical silhouette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn either side of the clock, scrolling architectural extensions are surmounted by smaller ornamental urns and richly modelled foliage. The lower section incorporates further floral panels, classical motifs and boldly scrolling feet, producing an unusually complex and balanced composition when viewed from the front.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe white enamel dial displays blue Roman numerals for the hours and an outer Arabic minute track, complemented by an elaborate pair of pierced gilt hands. Two winding apertures indicate the time-and-strike movement. The movement bears the Japy Frères mark, one of the most important names associated with French clockmaking of the 19th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe accompanying candelabra were conceived as an integral part of the garniture and repeat the ornamental vocabulary of the clock. Each rises from an architectural base richly decorated with floral reliefs, scrollwork and foliate feet. Above is a large classical urn-form body with fluting and applied ornament, from which emerge five candle branches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe branches form an elegant symmetrical arrangement of tightly coiled volutes and acanthus foliage. The central candleholder is elevated above the four surrounding lights, creating the characteristic tiered silhouette of an important French mantel garniture. The candle cups themselves are finely modelled with fluted classical decoration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ensemble retains its gilt surface, whose warm tone beautifully emphasizes the remarkable depth and variety of the cast decoration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe clock is accompanied by its shaped wooden display base, finished to complement the architecture of the case. The original pendulum and two keys are also present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the clock measuring approximately 47 cm (18.5 in.) high on its base and each candelabrum approximately 46 cm (18.1 in.) high, the complete garniture has considerable presence. The substantial weight — approximately 8 kg for the clock alone and approximately 3.5 kg for each candelabrum — further reflects the substantial construction of the ensemble.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA highly decorative and imposing example of French 19th-century horological and decorative arts, conceived as a unified mantelpiece composition and particularly impressive for its elaborate sculptural ornament, substantial proportions and survival as a complete three-piece ensemble.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClock without wooden base: 38 cm wide × 43 cm high \/ 15.0 × 16.9 in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClock with wooden base: 42 cm wide × 47 cm high \/ 16.5 × 18.5 in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach candelabrum: 17 cm wide × 46 cm high \/ 6.7 × 18.1 in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate weight of clock without base: 8 kg \/ 17.6 lb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate weight of each candelabrum: 3.5 kg \/ 7.7 lb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe garniture is preserved in very good antique condition, with age-related wear consistent with its 19th-century date. The gilt surfaces remain remarkably well preserved overall, retaining a rich and visually impressive appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe enamel dial shows a small area of historic restoration around the Roman numeral IV, where part of the numeral and the adjacent enamel have been carefully restored. Minor surface traces consistent with age are also visible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original convex front glass is no longer present. The rear glazed door and its glass remain in place.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe clock has been wound and tested through one complete winding cycle and operated correctly during testing, including the striking mechanism. As with any antique mechanical clock, however, no guarantee of continued accuracy or future mechanical performance can be provided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original pendulum and two keys are included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wooden display base remains in good antique condition and shows expected signs of age and use, including small scratches, marks and minor losses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo obvious evidence of extensive later overpainting or major restoration to the gilt decorative elements has been observed from the available inspection. Minor wear, oxidation, rubbing and surface variation consistent with age are present throughout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe photographs form an integral part of the description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LÜRON – The Fine Antique House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63281864868170,"sku":null,"price":17000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1013\/5879\/7130\/files\/Photoroom_20260824_144156.jpg?v=1787581984","url":"https:\/\/luronart.com\/es\/products\/french-napoleon-iii-gilt-bronze-three-piece-clock-garniture-with-japy-freres-movement-france-18-5-in","provider":"LÜRON","version":"1.0","type":"link"}