A FINE AND RARE CHINESE IMPERIAL ORMOLU-MOUNTED STRIKING GOURD-SHAPED CLOCK WITH SWINGING MOVEMENT

QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG 1736-95

The clock case mounted on a steel and gilt brass rod with knife-edge suspension, decorated with a band of feathered multi-coloured paste gem stones, rising to a circular medallion containing a relief-cast shou character bordered by ruby-coloured paste gems, the rear with two clips to secure the movement, all enclosed within the gourd-shaped frame, a band of square-cut turquoise paste gems bordered by leaf scrolls and a beaded inner band, supported by an elaborate acanthus clasp, the waisted white marble base beneath with a pierced engraved foliate collar between beaded bands above a waisted ormolu plinth, all surmounted by an inverted bat with outstretched wings with stylized foliage and a pineapple, 61.2cm overall.

The dial with white enamel, Roman hours and Arabic quarter minute markers to the crossed white track, the pierced gilt hour and minute hands with paste gem mounts and sweep second hands, all within a multi-coloured paste gem set bezel and beading.

The movement with gilded circular plates joined by five gilded pillars, the swinging twin barrel movement with dead-beat escapement mounted on the backplate, with apparent 'nonsense signature' Luliorli; within engraved leaf scrolls, quarter striking on a bell via two hammers.

Provenance: the property of a Gentleman. Formerly in the collection of Dimitri Mavrommatis, acquired directly by the current owner.

Cf. Christie's London, The Exceptional Sale, 5th July 2012, lot 15; see also Christie's Hong Kong, Magnificent Clocks for the Chinese Imperial Court from the Nezu Museum, 27th May 2008, lot 1501. It appears that this is one of only three recorded examples of Chinese clocks of this form.