IMPORTANT CHINESE GILT-BRONZE CLOCK WITH ENAMEL PLAQUES, China, Guangzhou, late 18th / early 19th century

h cm 36

The case is surmounted by a bud-shaped finial and decorated with vermilion Zhuque birds and oval medallions. An openwork balustrade, featuring flaming urns at the corners, encircles the case. The enamelled dial displays Roman numerals and is framed by a bezel set with colored gemstones. The clock houses a double-barrel movement with a verge escapement and bell strike, further enhanced by a secondary spring-driven mechanism in the base that operates a rotating medallion set with gemstones