Mid-18th Century Venetian Lacquer Tower Clock

Refined andunique “Venetian lacquer” tower clock. The case is rectangular with a roundedtop and two cusps on the sides; its decoration is exquisite, featuring gildedgeometric and floral motifs. The body, however, features decorationsreminiscent of an oriental style but depicting scenes typical of 18th-centuryVenice. They depict figures playing music between houses or sitting within alandscape setting, surrounded by male and female figures listening to music.The dial features Roman and Arabic numerals with iron hands; there are also inscriptionsin English, including the signature of the clockmaker "Nat HedgeColchester," Nathaniel Hedge, a renowned clockmaker from Colchester,Essex, England. The clock is in perfect working order, with a repeater andweekly winding, and a movement of English origin. This is a rare, tasteful andrefined clock, capable of lending a touch of elegance and antiquity to anyspace. Venetian manufacture from the mid-18th century, likely traced back tothe Ranieri (or Rainieri) family, active and well-known in Venice in the 18thcentury.

Dimensions: H x W x D 217 x 45 x 23cm