Antique French gilt bronze and cut glass clock set

Antique French gilt bronze and cut glass clock set
French, 19th Century
Clock: Height 40cm, width 22cm, depth 13cm
Vases: Height 36cm, width 9cm, depth 9cm
 
This beautiful three-piece clock set is designed in a French Neoclassical style, popular in 19th Century decorative arts. The set has been crafted from clear, cut glass and fine gilt bronze.
 
The set consists of a central clock, accompanied by two vases of similar design. The clock is topped by a faceted glass dome, which is surmounted by a gilt bronze finial, shaped like a cluster of roses. The dome is placed on a band of gilt bronze, which is decorated with foliate motifs and mounted, on its four corners, with ball-tipped gilt bronze finials.
 
Below, there is a rectangular glass case, which encloses a circular white enamel dial. This is inscribed with Arabic Numbers, linked by painted foliage swags. The dial is set within a gilt bronze case, and fitted with a pendulum with a pointed end. Two banded cut glass columns, with gilt bronze tops and bottoms, flank the glass case. The glass clock case stands on a gilt bronze base, which is decorated with foliate motifs and placed on four bun feet.
 
Similarly crafted in a Neoclassical style from cut glass and gilt bronze, the two vases stylistically complement the clock. They are topped by slim, waisted glass necks, surmounted by faceted glass domes, with gilt bronze pinecone finials. Their glass bodies are incised with floral patterns and mounted with bands of gilt bronze, fitted with looping gilt bronze handles. The vases stand on shaped, square gilt bronze bases, decorated with rosettes and set on four bun feet.
 
The transparent glass beautifully contrasts with the shining gilt bronze mounts. This is a very elegant clock set, which will add sophistication and grace to an interior.