Gilt bronze, white glazed porcelain with polychrome decoration
Germany/France, circa 1755-1770
The porcelain figures modelled and painted by Meissen circa 1755
Underglaze blue sword mark, partly hidden
Models presumably by J. J. Kaendler and Peter Reinicke inspired by François Boucher’s representations of children
Ormolu bronze chandelier with ‘Vincennes’ flowers, Paris, circa 1770
Height of clock: 29.5 cm
Good condition
Magnificent bronze doré and porcelain clock set – a testimony to the appreciation of ‘porcelaine de Saxe’ in France featuring finely combined luxury according to Parisian Rococo taste
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

This extravagant three-piece Rococo fireplace set, consisting of a central clock element and a pair of candlesticks, is designed in typical Rococo fashion. Two Meissen porcelain figures of a Husar and hunting dog are presented on a rocaille stand surrounded by ‘Vincennes’ flowers. On top the clock with enamel dial and unsigned pocket watch movement with verge escapement from the late 18th behind a glazed bezel and crowned by a sculptural Meissen cockerel finial. A pair of ormolu candle holders are designed in matching fashion, with an arbor on a rocaille base flanked by two candle holders. Inside the arcades stand Meissen gardener children, each lifting their flowery apron.



The models were presumably designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler and Peter Reinicke. In the mid-18th century, Kaendler modeled various figures after François Boucher’s representations of children, with some characters taken from the commedia dell’arte.



During the time of Louis XV and Louis XVI, the so-called ‘porcelaine de Saxe’ was extremely popular in France and especially Paris. Catering to the taste of the times, luxury goods dealers combined Saxon porcelain objects with French chandeliers, clocks or chimney sets made of fire-gilt bronze thus creating precious and coveted individual pieces.



Comparable pieces can be found in the Britzke collection (see: La porcelana de Meissen en la Colección Britzke 1709-1765, exhibition catalog, Segovia 2009, p 393) and in the collection Pauls-Eisenbeiss (see: Erika Pauls-Eisenbeiss, German Porcelain of the 18th Century, vol. I, London 1972, pp. 316 f.).



The set is in good condition with signs of age. Some flowers have been glued and restored, there are some losses. The clock measures 29.5 cm in height and the candle holders measure 22 cm. (tfa)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.