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Antique Samson porcelain and ormolu Chinoiserie elephant clock

Creator: Edme Samson et Cie
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Antique Samson porcelain and ormolu Chinoiserie elephant clock
French, Late 19th Century
Height 24cm, width 17cm, depth 13cm

This exquisite and delicate clock typifies the European fascination in the 19th century with Chinese art and Orientalist themes. Crafted by the French factory of Samson et Cie, it portrays a charming elephant figure carrying a clock on its back.

The circular clock dial is bordered with asymmetric ormolu, styled as acanthus leaves, and features a white dial and black Arabic numerals on the face. The clock hands are made from pierced, intricate ormolu. The white porcelain elephant wears a red saddle depicting Chinese figures amongst foliage. The clock mechanism is encased in a further Samson porcelain piece, too painted with nature inspired Chinoiserie motifs.

The piece is set upon an ormolu base in the asymmetric Rococo style, formed of C-scrolls and acanthus leaf motifs. The porcelain clock casing features a red porcelain maker’s mark to the rear.

Combining several design styles and manufacturing techniques, this charming mantel clock would make a superb décor piece in the appropriate setting.

Artist/Maker: Samson et Cie

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Porcelain, Ormolu.
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	6977
Incollect Reference #:	687799

Dimensions

W.	6.69 in;	H.	9.45 in;	D.	5.12 in;
W.	17 cm;	H.	24 cm;	D.	13 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.