Style Japonism, Chinoiserie / Ref.03211

Escalier de Cristal (Attr. to) - Elegant chinese style clock

Bronze patinated in two colors, enameled cloisonné

This elegant clock is decorated in the Japanese taste that came into fashion thanks to the presence of the Asiatic countries who participated in the international exhibitions of the day. The numbers on the face of the clock are in Chinese characters set around a central motif, executed in enameled cloisonné using a decorative vocabulary inspired by objects from the Far East. The delicacy of the colors and the perfect mastery of the enamels enhance the elegance of this composition of great delicacy. The bronze mounts were especially carefully worked and were inspired by Chinese bronzes known for the first time in the West through private collections, such as the one assembled by Henri Cernuschi during his travels to the Orient. The stylized cloud motif above the clock is typical of this source of inspiration and makes the decoration both elegant and sophisticated, an example of the taste and refined lifestyle of the connoisseurs of the day.

The four elephant heads that support the clock are coiffed with fine pearls and the pedestal is enameled using the same motifs found on the clock’s face. The subtle patination allowed the artist to render the tusks with great naturalism. A fifth elephant is represented just under the clock, assuring a harmonious visual link between the upper and lowers sections of the ensemble.

The monogram “HMP” on the back of the clock is the signature of the enameller; this clock is therefore part of the group of other pieces signed “HMP” produced for the Escalier de Cristal, the company that was a famous retailer in the tradition of the marchands merciers of the 18th century. This vase is a striking example of the taste for Japanese and Chinese art and is one of the exquisite objects created for a cultured elite, designed by the most prestigious artists of the day.