Cartel Clock Louis XV Japy 1878

This elegant Louis XV-style cartel clock, crafted during the SecondEmpire under Napoleon III and dated 1878, captivates with thesumptuousness of its decoration, the harmony of its sweeping curves andthe refined contrast of its materials. Its wooden case, veneered inred horn and enhanced with a hand-applied French polishthat reveals the depth of its rich hues and warm lustre, ismagnificently adorned with finely chased and gilded bronze mounts. Themovement, stamped “Japy et Cie”, bears the mark ofa major French clockmaking manufactory listed in Tardy’sdictionary of clockmakers. The ensemble exemplifies the particularlysophisticated 19th-century taste for ornamental clocks, combiningdecorative richness, architectural elegance and horological excellence.

Of imposing presence, the case adopts a sinuous silhouette withgenerous curves, characteristic of the rocaille vocabulary of the LouisXV style. The summit, enlivened by a spectacular bouquet of flowers andfoliage in gilt bronze, crowns an architectural structure articulatedwith carefully designed projections. The façade is adornedwith a broad sculpted pediment featuring scrolls, acanthus leaves androcaille motifs, framing a circular white enamel dial with Romannumerals for the hours, Arabic minute markings and finely craftedhands. The dial is signed “E. Vauquelin, E. Dalibon &Cie”. On either side, graceful gilt-bronze mounts follow thecontours of the case, while a finely chased frieze elegantly emphasisesthe upper section. At the bottom, a remarkable arrangement of foliageand fruit flourishes at the centre, accompanied by scrolling ornament,volutes and curved feet in gilt bronze. The combination of thesesculptural ornaments with the deep reddish-brown tones of thered horn creates a richly layered decorative effect, in whichevery detail contributes to the harmony of the whole.

With its elegant cartel silhouette, the quality of its chasing, thepreciousness of its red-horn veneer and the warmth of its gilding,this clock is a remarkable testament to French decorative arts underthe Second Empire. It combines 18th-century inspiration with the19th-century passion for prestigious objects in a composition that isboth sculptural and refined. Its commanding decorative presence makesit an exceptional centrepiece for a mantelpiece, console table ordistinguished interior. The “Japy et Cie” stamp,together with the signature on the dial, further enhances thehistorical and horological interest of the ensemble. An exquisitecollector’s clock of timeless appeal, intended forenthusiasts of antique horology and exceptional furnishings.

Original movement, unmodified. Strikes the hours and half-hours on anantique bell, producing a clear and authentic sound.