What is a mantel garniture clock set?

A mantel garniture clock set typically comprises a central mantel clock flanked by a pair of matching decorative vases or candelabra. Originating in 17th-century Europe and becoming immensely popular during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, these sets were designed to sit atop fireplace mantels as a symmetrical centrepiece for luxury interiors.

What materials are used in French ormolu Imari porcelain clocks?

These clock sets combine imported or European-crafted Imari porcelaincharacterised by cobalt blue, iron red, and white underglaze/overglaze enamelswith ormolu, which is mercury-gilded cast bronze. The clock mechanisms traditionally utilise brass plates with steel pinions and pendulum movement.

How can you identify authentic 19th-century French clock garnitures?

Authentic 19th-century French pieces feature heavy, finely cast gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts with hand-chased details, often showing slight age-related patination or wear to the gilding. Movements typically bear French maker marks, serial numbers, or pendulum stamps, while the porcelain displays distinct hand-painted enamel textures.

How do you style an antique clock garniture in a modern room?

Place the complete three-piece set symmetrically on a fireplace mantel, a large sideboard, or an entryway console table to serve as a focal point. Contrast the elaborate gilt and colourful porcelain against a minimalist or dark wall backdrop to accentuate the detailed craftsmanship.

How should you clean and maintain ormolu and porcelain?

Dust the porcelain and bronze regularly with a dry, soft microfiber cloth or camel-hair brush, avoiding harsh liquid chemicals that can strip gilding or harm enamel. Mechanical clock movements should be serviced by a professional horologist every three to five years to ensure proper oiling and function.

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Id #SA755825

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Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique French Clock Set

Name: Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique French Clock Set
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA755825
Price: 10450 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Dragon-Antiques.com

Description

~ French / Japanese - 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 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.

Dimensions of clock:

inches: Height 21", Width 11", Depth 9 1/2"

centimetres: Height 53.5 cm, Width 28 cm, Depth 24 cm

Dimensions of candelabra:

inches: Height 23", Width 8 1/2", Depth 8 1/2"

centimetres: Height 58.5 cm, Width 21.5 cm, Depth 21.5 cm

Shipping within UK £60

Shipping to USA / Europe £295 by air fully insured

World wide shipping - £395 by air fully insured

Physical Dimensions

Height

58cm (22.83")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

24cm (9.45")

Declaration

Dragon-Antiques.com has dated this Ormolu Imari Clock Garniture to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA755825

Dealers Internal Reference

RSC2427

Dealers Notes

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World wide shipping by air fully insured. Please see our website for more pictures and video - http://www.Dragon-Antiques.com

Description

~ French / Japanese - 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.

Dragon-Antiques.com

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.

fig 1. A three-piece antique French mantel garniture featuring a central Imari porcelain clock flanked by two matching gilt bronze candelabra atop porcelain urns. — fig 1. Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique French Clock Set

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.

fig 2. A three-piece antique French mantel garniture featuring a central Imari porcelain clock flanked by two matching gilt bronze candelabra atop porcelain urns. — fig 2. Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique French Clock Set

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 to hear the bell and watch the clock running.

fig 3. A three-piece antique French mantel garniture featuring a central Imari porcelain clock flanked by two matching gilt bronze candelabra atop porcelain urns. — fig 3. Ormolu Mounted Imari Porcelain Antique French Clock Set

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.