清乾隆 銅鍍金嵌寶石塔式樂鐘

the richly gilt upright case of rectangular section resting on a square base with four splayed acanthus corner feet joined by stretchers adorned with entwined ribbons and florets, supported at each corner by columns picked out with striations and culmintating in furled acanthus leaves, further inset with alternating ruby-coloured and white brilliants along the edges, the central panel enclosing a painted 3 1/4-inch dial with both Roman and Arabic numerals and reticulated engraved gilt hands, the green and white paste-set bezel with convex glass further surrounded by an applied ruby and green-coloured beads frame, the sides pierced in openwork with an upright oval medallion of petalled flowers further decorated with red and green paste-set at each corner, the back arched door with lattice openwork, opening to reveal the principal three-day duration, five pillars, triple-chain fusees movement with verge escapement and hour striking on a bell, half-hour-passing strikes and two-tone music on eight bells, the back plates engraved with foliate stems and cornucopia, all below a pagoda roof finely incised with tassels and inset with paste-set florets, culminating with a bell tower enclosing a ten-bell carillon, two accompanying keys

Some glass beads have probably been restuck or replaced, but most have been well preserved. The clock is otherwise in overall very good condition with only some typical tarnishing, occasional scratches and original casting flaws. The movement is generally in good condition and working order with only the small hammer missing for the half hour passing strike.
"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."

北京故宮博物院藏一鐘，乃清宮舊藏，與此品極為相近，圖見陸燕貞主編，《清宮鐘錶珍藏》，香港，1995年，頁170。