Height: 13.8 in (35 cm.)
Width: 17.7 in. (45 cm.)
Depth: 6.5 in (16.5 cm.)
Signed Japy Frères Medailles D'Ore Années.
Copyright The Artist
This 19th Century Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Garniture by Frédéric Japy is a remarkable example of French craftsmanship. This particular garniture comprises a mantel clock and a pair of four-light candelabra,...
This 19th Century Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Garniture by Frédéric Japy is a remarkable example of French craftsmanship. This particular garniture comprises a mantel clock and a pair of four-light candelabra, beautifully encapsulating the artistic and technical mastery of the Japy Frères company.
The clock and candelabras are cast and chased in gilt bronze with a Rococo design, adorned with flowers and leafy vine designs, and mounted with depictions of 'L'Enfant Bacchus' (Dionysus, the Greek God of the grape harvest). The design is replete with rocaille and acanthus scrolls, and it's surmounted by three Bacchic putti, symbolizing aspects of the grape harvest, winemaking, and consumption. This thematic representation not only showcases the elegance and decorative appeal of the period but also emphasizes a cultural celebration of wine and festivity deeply rooted in French heritage.
The clock features a signed enamel dial with both Roman and Arabic chapters, complemented by pierced, engraved gilt hands, adding to its aesthetic and functional sophistication. The movement is of particular note, featuring twin barrels and a counter wheel with a strike bell, signed by Japy Frères and indicating their receipt of gold medals in the years 1823, 1827, 1834, 1839, 1844, and 1849. This signifies the clock's authenticity and quality and the esteemed status of Japy Frères within the horological community of the time.
The candelabra is designed en suite with the clock, each modeled as a putto supporting a bouquet of acanthus-cast scrolled branches, fruits, and harvested grape vines, showcasing the same level of intricate detail and thematic consistency found in the clock. Their dimensions and the craftsmanship evident in their construction contribute to the set's overall grandeur and decorative appeal.
This garniture set is a testament to the luxury and ornamental sophistication characteristic of 19th-century French decorative arts, especially in the context of the opulent designs preferred during the period. It reflects not only the artistic trends of the time but also the technological advancements in clock-making for which Japy Frères was renowned.
Such pieces are highly valued for their historical and artistic significance, making them sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of antique French decorative arts.