Antique Louis XV style patinated and gilt bronze clock

Antique Louis XV style patinated and gilt bronze clock
French, 19th Century
Height 57cm, width 38cm, depth 23cm
 
Designed in a fanciful Louis XV style, this beautiful mantel clock takes the form of an Asian elephant, saddled with a howdah (carriage). The clock features a patinated sculpture of a Chinese man, seated on a chair atop a gilt bronze clock dial. The gilt bronze dial is ornately decorated with scroll-work and is dotted with white enamel plaques, containing black Roman Numerals. The dial is set behind a glass lens, which is edged with gilt bronze beading. This case is flanked by two patinated bronze leafy scrolls, which form the sides of the howdah. The clock dial is set on a gilt bronze waisted plinth, which is ornamented with lattice-work, scrolls, and stylised foliage. The clock is propped on a saddle, placed on the back of a patinated bronze Asian elephant, which is naturalistically depicted, with its mouth slightly ajar and its trunk raised. This elephant stands on a gilt bronze base, the front of which is pierced and decorated with a central foliate motif.  Four scrolled acanthus leaf feet lift the clock off the ground.
 
This wonderful mantel clock will bring its owner and all those who see it great delight and pleasure. It will look beautiful placed on a mantelpiece, console table, or some other place of prominence within an interior.