Ref.03222
Exceptional large clock with the Fô dogs

Brown patina bronze, the base in Red Griotte marble. This magnificent clock was made in France around 1880 out of authentically Chinese bronzes. Two large Foo Dogs, made in China at the start of the 19th century, stand on their hind legs, and support the pendulum with their forelimbs. The pendulum mechanism sits inside a Chinese bronze vase that was specifically cut at its base and reused to make up the body of this clock. It is decorated all over its surface with engraved ornaments. Two dragons carved in relief are placed on the front of this vase and surround the clock's dial. On the back, there is a cockerel with its wings spread, with its head carved in relief. The extremely high quality bronze and the very skilful use of composition makes this clock very original. This clock is typical of a technique that was popular towards the end of the 19th century, which derived from a profound taste in the Far East. This technique involved reusing authentically Chinese elements on European designed objects, which were intended to be used on the most luxurious interiors. The clock's magnificence makes us reflect on the fact that it was made by a true amateur of Chinese Art. The dial's numerals are made out of enamel and are true Chinese numerals. The clock hands feature a dragon which is the result of excellent chiselling skill. These different elements are of French craftsmanship, as is the pendulum featuring an animal with tentacles. The pendulum is signed “ L.M et Cie, Médaille de bronze” (L.M and Cie, Bronze Medal), which confirms that it is off French craftsmanship and was made around 1880.

Ref.11368
Gabriel Viardot (attributed to) - Japanese style presentation cabinet with a laquer and mother-of-pearl decor

This presentation furniture made of tainted sycamore made in the 19th century was certainely a work by the Japanese style furniture maker Gabriel Viardot (1830-1904). Gabriel Viardot became famous from the 1870 with his production of furniture inspired by the Asiatic ones, of which he makes his specialty. He takes his inspiration from the 1867 Worlds's Fair where Japan participates for the first time. His very characteristic furniture production was sometimes inlaid with Tonkin mother-of-pearl, but always made with tinted sycamore wood. Thus, our furniture is divided into two parts. The superior part forms a display opening by a glass door and giving access to the asymmetrical shelves. It is surmounted by a polished varnished bronze dragon that we find very often on the furniture maker's production. The lower part also shows shelves of which the mount is adorned with coiled polished varnished dragon and a lacquered door adorned with birds in a roses and hydrangeas mother-of-pearls decoration.

Ref.14796
GENTIL & BOURDET " Model 1019 ", Set consisting of a barometer and a stoneware clock

At the turn of the 20th century, Gentil & Bourdet designed this stoneware set, with every detail reflecting their artistic expertise. These stoneware creations are captivatingly decorated with neo-gothic influences. A hint of the burgeoning Art Nouveau style is revealed in the plant motifs and the elegant stylisation of other decorative elements. This set, consisting of both a clock and a barometer, is a remarkable testimony to the creative genius and ceramic skills of Gentil & Bourdet. The model for each of the two elements of this set is reproduced in the Manuel d'Application des grès by Gentil & Bourdet, 1910, page 130.