A RARE YELLOW-GROUND BEIJING ENAMEL MANTEL CLOCK MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the painted enamel dial with black numerals and outer minute track with Arabic numerals, enclosed and wreathed by multi-coloured floral scrolls against a bright yellow ground, below a cartouche enclosing a four-character reign mark within blue scroll borders, the movement with two barrels, one for the striking mechanism the other to provide energy to the gear train, quarter repeater au passage with bells and hammers, the cylinder escapement with regulation system, all fitted in an upright case of rectangular section resting on a stepped pedestal and four coiled deer antler feet, with a hinged door opening in front and all sides inset with rock crystal panels, all beneath a stepped and slightly domed top

There is some wear and horizontal crackles across the front enameled plaque, essentially extending horizontally across from the upper right corner where the plaque is also slightly bent. The movement itself is old and actually working. It most likely needs some professional cleaning and general specialized maintenance but it is in working order and the clock is ticking when re winded with the key. The actual colour is close, if not somewhat warmer compared to the catalogue illustration. It is mounted in a wood case fitted with crystal panels, either European or at least adapted in the West, resting on stag antler curling feet and fitted with a carved finial which is now missing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Qianlong emperor was an avid collector of timepieces and automatons and his enthusiasm for both European and Chinese-made clocks saw him assemble thousands of varying mesmerising and exquisitely novel designs. The great variety of media employed for the manufacturing of clocks is well illustrated in the Palace Museum, Beijing publication, The 200 Objects You Should Know. Timepieces, Beijing, 2007. Three Qianlong mark and period clocks, the dial against a yellow ground richly painted with floral scrolls, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, are illustrated in The 200 Objects You Should Know. Timepieces, Beijing, 2007, pls 9, 13 and 17.

Although of European shape the fact that the black wooden case is inset with rock crystal panels instead of glass panels could possibly indicate that it has been also manufactured in China. Compare another similarly decorated and cased Beijing enamel clock from the Qianlong reign in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in The All Complete Qianlong: The Aesthetic Tastes of the Qing Emperor Gaozong, Taipei, 2013, no. II-3.26 p. 218.