Antique gilt bronze mounted cut glass clock set

Antique gilt bronze mounted cut glass clock set
French, 19th Century
Clock: Height 36cm, width 23cm, depth 12cm
Vases: Height 32cm, width 17cm, depth 12cm
 
This graceful three-piece clock set is designed in a refined Neoclassical style, which was fashionable in France in the 19th Century. The set has been crafted from finely cut clear glass and mounted in beautifully-cast and gilded bronze (ormolu).
 
The clock set is made up of a mantel clock, which is flanked by a pair of vases. The mantel clock takes the form of a classical vase, with a cut glass body mounted with two gilt bronze handles. These handles take the form of scrolling, leafy grape vines, which extend from the clock's glass body to the gilt bronze mouth. The centre of the clock’s vase-shaped case features a circular metal dial, with a floral-patterned centre encircled by black Roman Numerals. This dial is set within a circular gilt bronze frame, decorated with stylised leafy vines and beading. The glass case is set on a square gilt bronze base, which is raised up on four toupie feet.
 
The vases that accompany the clock are of similar design. Each vase features a clear, cut glass body, mounted with two gilt bronze handles, which scroll to enclose rosettes. Like the clock, they are also fitted with gilt bronze mouths and square bases.