French Neoclassical style lapis and gilt bronze clock set

French Neoclassical style lapis and gilt bronze clock set
French, late 19th Century
Clock height 52cm, width 39cm, depth 15cm
Vases height 38cm, width 16cm, depth 12cm
 
This beautiful Neoclassical style clock set, comprised of a mantel clock and a pair of conforming vases, is crafted from lustrous lapis lazuli and gilt bronze—the lapis lazuli being a subsequent veneer, granting new life to a 19th Century clock.
 
The clock is formed from twin lapis piers, where are set to the front with free-standing columns and to the sides with scrolled buttresses. Between these twin piers sits the clock drum and hangs the pendulum. The lapis throughout is mounted with gilt bronze elements: the front of the base is set with rinceaux motifs, the clock drum is encompassed by a gilt bronze band and draped below with a fabric garland, while atop the clock are perched two winged sphinxes. The clock is surmounted by an urn-form finial, also of lapis lazuli and gilt bronze.
 
The pair of flanking vases is similarly decorated, featuring ovoid bodies and conforming gilt bronze mounts.