A Black japanned long case clock with chinoiserie decoration.

The case is in very good condition and is well decorated with polychrome chinoiserie designs.

The clock is unusual for a lacquered case in having a rocking ship automaton in the arch of the dial.

The twelve inch brass dial with appropriate spandrels has subsidiary dials showing date and seconds, and has an eight day movement. It is signed by Charles (Chas) Newman, of Lynn.

The case is only 85" high, and the whole was made c 1785

Physical Dimensions

Height

216cm (85.04")

Width

50cm (19.69")

Depth

23cm (9.06")

Declaration

Hedley Wilson has dated this Japanned Longcase Clock to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1005274

Dealers Internal Reference

Lacquered long case clock

Description

A Black japanned long case clock with chinoiserie decoration.

The case is in very good condition and is well decorated with polychrome chinoiserie designs.

“

The clock is unusual for a lacquered case in having a rocking ship automaton in the arch of the dial.

Hedley Wilson

fig 1. An 18th-century black lacquered longcase clock featuring gold chinoiserie landscape paintings, an arched hood, and a brass dial. — fig 1. Lacquered Long Case Clock

The twelve inch brass dial with appropriate spandrels has subsidiary dials showing date and seconds, and has an eight day movement. It is signed by Charles (Chas) Newman, of Lynn.

The case is only 85" high, and the whole was made c 1785

Physical Dimensions

Height

216cm (85.04")

Width

50cm (19.69")

Depth

23cm (9.06")

Date of Manufacture

Hedley Wilson has dated this Japanned Longcase Clock to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1005274

Dealers Internal Ref

Lacquered long case clock

About the Dealer

Hedley Wilson

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2015

Specialists in antique clocks

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Hedley Wilson Profile Page

Relevant Links

PDF

SAVE

An 18th-century black lacquered longcase clock featuring gold chinoiserie landscape paintings, an arched hood, and a brass dial.

1 / 4

Archive I

Lacquered Long case clock

Archive II

Archive III

An 18th-century black lacquered longcase clock featuring gold chinoiserie landscape paintings, an arched hood, and a brass dial. View III

Archive IV

An 18th-century black lacquered longcase clock featuring gold chinoiserie landscape paintings, an arched hood, and a brass dial. View IV

Japanning is a European imitation of Asian lacquerwork developed in the late 17th century, where layers of resin-based varnish were applied to timber cabinets and decorated with gilded oriental scenes. A longcase clock of this style houses a weight-driven pendulum movement within a tall, decorative japanned case.

The cases were constructed using pine or oak bases coated with lacquer, shellac, and raised gesso details. Dial assemblies typically incorporated cast brass spandrels, silvered chapter rings, and iron clock hands.

Authentic pieces show natural craquelure across the varnish surface, subtle wear on raised gesso relief work, and period-correct joinery such as hand-cut dovetails inside the casing. Later reproductions often feature flat, screen-printed or modern painted decoration without age-related oxidisation.

Position the clock as a focal architectural element in an entryway, hallway, or study to create contrast with contemporary clean lines. Pairing dark lacquered finishes with neutral wall tones highlights the gilded details.

Keep the clock away from direct sunlight, radiators, and sudden humidity fluctuations to prevent cracking or lifting of the lacquer. Clean the surface gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoiding liquid polishes or chemical solvents.

Hedley Wilson

Lacquered Long Case Clock

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Long Case Clock

Fantastic Quality Antique George III Lacquered and Chinoiserie Decorated Longcase Clock

Long Case Clock