What is the history of Chinoiserie longcase clocks?

Chinoiserie longcase clocks gained prominence during the late 17th and early 18th centuries in Europe, reflecting a fascination with East Asian art styles. Craftsmen used a technique called Japanning to emulate Asian lacquerware, decorating wooden cases with detailed landscapes, architectural motifs, and figures.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century longcase clocks?

The structural cases were typically crafted from pine or oak and covered with multi-layered lacquer and hand-painted gilding. The horological movements featured cast brass dials, engraved silvered chapter rings, brass spandrels, and weight-driven iron mechanisms.

How can you identify an authentic Georgian longcase clock?

Authentic pieces from the early Georgian period generally feature square or arched brass dials rather than painted enamel faces. Look for natural age-related craquelure in the lacquered finish, hand-cut gear teeth within the movement, and authentic weight-driven pendulum mechanisms.

How do you style a longcase clock in a modern interior?

A statement longcase clock serves as an architectural anchor in an entrance hallway, stair landing, or formal drawing room. Pairing historic lacquered furniture with neutral wall tones allows the complex gilded detailing to take centre stage.

How should a Chinoiserie longcase clock be cared for and preserved?

Clean lacquered surfaces using a dry, soft microfibre cloth, avoiding commercial chemical polishes or water. Maintain stable indoor humidity to prevent the wooden carcass from warping, and arrange regular movement servicing by a qualified horologist.

for sale €12,285 $13,335

£10,500

M. C. Taylor

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A Very Original, Dark Green Chinoiserie Longcase Clock with Rocking Father Time. Circa 1720. (Long Case)

Name: A Very Original, Dark Green Chinoiserie Longcase Clock with Rocking Father Time. Circa 1720. (Long Case)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA842149
Price: 10500 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

An incredibly original and fine example of an early 18th century, London made longcase clock.

Movement.

Five knopped pillar, eight day duration, high quality with an Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted, well-toned bell. Driven by two brass-cased London style weights. The pallet arbor drives the automata 'Father Time' in the dial arch.

Dial.

Twelve inch wide, break-arch brass dial with 'Indian's Head' cast brass spandrels to the corners and 'Sea serpent' ones to the arch that flank a silvered circular ring bearing the maker's name of "Samuel Wichell" and "Pickadilly" (London). This encircles a matted centre and a moving, two-piece, silvered figure of 'Father Time' with wings, hourglass and Scythe. The main silvered chapter ring has inner quarters, Roman hour numerals with fluer-de-lys half markings, minute ring and outer Arabic numerals marking the five minute intervals. The matted centre has a silvered subsidiary seconds ring to the upper portion and lower, square chamfered calendar date aperture. The hands are blued steel of which the hour hand may be a replacement.

Case.

The case is incredibly original in its dark green and gilt, raised chinoiserie.

The imposing hood retains its original caddy top that is decorated and has two, gold leafed, ball finials to the front corners. This is mounted upon a break-arch Cavetto style moulding with fine decoration to the large concave section. Below this is a full and intact blind fret above a break-arch base moulding over the hood door. The door has attached tapered pillars with brass capitals and also a lock. The sides of the hood have large glazed apertures. The truck throat has a large Cavetto moulding and a full-length break-arch locking door with a well-executed raised edge moulding. It is profusely decorated in the Oriental style and depicts the Anglo connection due the the East India Trading Company with European ladies in fine dress. The trunk edges are also nicely decorated and the sides have the usual floral design. The base has a panelled area to the front of an Oriental house and the now reduced plinth has simple floral application. All of the decorated panels were originally edge-lined in silver (now faded), this was only carried out on more expensive chinoiserie

* Little is known about the maker of this clock but other fine examples by him are known. I cannot stress enough the originality of the artwork on this fine and imposing piece - I have never seen another one in such well preserved order. If you are a collector of chinoiserie work then you will struggle to find a better example, it 'glows' in low light. It is a superb example of early English clockmaking at its finest. It is truly magnificent and I would go so far as to say, a masterpiece.

Dimensions: 90" x 20 1/2" x 10 1/4".

Condition: The clock is in working order, totally original (museum quality) but would benefit from a complete overhaul to ensure perfection. The case work and decoration is exemplorary which is extremely rare in a 300 year old plus, longcase clock of this type.

Price: The price for the clock is in present working condition.

Please note: any further restoration work that you require to this item will be subject to an additional cost. Please contact us to enquire.

For further information please email us at:

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

228.6cm (90.00")

Width

52.1cm (20.51")

Depth

26cm (10.24")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Green Chinoiserie Longcase Clock to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA842149

Dealers Internal Reference

SA14344

Description

An incredibly original and fine example of an early 18th century, London made longcase clock.

Movement.

“

Five knopped pillar, eight day duration, high quality with an Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted, well-toned bell.

M. C. Taylor

Driven by two brass-cased London style weights. The pallet arbor drives the automata 'Father Time' in the dial arch.

Dial.

Twelve inch wide, break-arch brass dial with 'Indian's Head' cast brass spandrels to the corners and 'Sea serpent' ones to the arch that flank a silvered circular ring bearing the maker's name of "Samuel Wichell" and "Pickadilly" (London). This encircles a matted centre and a moving, two-piece, silvered figure of 'Father Time' with wings, hourglass and Scythe. The main silvered chapter ring has inner quarters, Roman hour numerals with fluer-de-lys half markings, minute ring and outer Arabic numerals marking the five minute intervals. The matted centre has a silvered subsidiary seconds ring to the upper portion and lower, square chamfered calendar date aperture. The hands are blued steel of which the hour hand may be a replacement.

Case.

The case is incredibly original in its dark green and gilt, raised chinoiserie.

The imposing hood retains its original caddy top that is decorated and has two, gold leafed, ball finials to the front corners. This is mounted upon a break-arch Cavetto style moulding with fine decoration to the large concave section. Below this is a full and intact blind fret above a break-arch base moulding over the hood door. The door has attached tapered pillars with brass capitals and also a lock. The sides of the hood have large glazed apertures. The truck throat has a large Cavetto moulding and a full-length break-arch locking door with a well-executed raised edge moulding. It is profusely decorated in the Oriental style and depicts the Anglo connection due the the East India Trading Company with European ladies in fine dress. The trunk edges are also nicely decorated and the sides have the usual floral design. The base has a panelled area to the front of an Oriental house and the now reduced plinth has simple floral application. All of the decorated panels were originally edge-lined in silver (now faded), this was only carried out on more expensive chinoiserie

fig 3. A tall early 18th-century dark green longcase clock decorated with gold Chinoiserie lacquer patterns and an arched brass dial. — fig 3. A Very Original, Dark Green Chinoiserie Longcase Clock with Rocking Father Time. Circa 1720. (Long Case)

Little is known about the maker of this clock but other fine examples by him are known. I cannot stress enough the originality of the artwork on this fine and imposing piece - I have never seen another one in such well preserved order. If you are a collector of chinoiserie work then you will struggle to find a better example, it 'glows' in low light. It is a superb example of early English clockmaking at its finest. It is truly magnificent and I would go so far as to say, a masterpiece.

fig 4. A tall early 18th-century dark green longcase clock decorated with gold Chinoiserie lacquer patterns and an arched brass dial. — fig 4. A Very Original, Dark Green Chinoiserie Longcase Clock with Rocking Father Time. Circa 1720. (Long Case)

Dimensions: 90" x 20 1/2" x 10 1/4".

Condition: The clock is in working order, totally original (museum quality) but would benefit from a complete overhaul to ensure perfection. The case work and decoration is exemplorary which is extremely rare in a 300 year old plus, longcase clock of this type.