Important Watches

Geneva, Mar 20, 2010

LOT 301

Chinese astrological Table Clock Chinese. Made circa 1870. Very fine, large and impressive huali wood and mother of pearl inlaid hour striking carved table clock with Chinese astrological dial and hours of the day indication with hand revolving once in 24- hours, huali wood and mother of pearl inlaid table stand with rotating turntable.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

USD 18,000 - 28,000 / EUR 14,000 - 20,000

Sold: CHF 20,400

C. Rectangular, delicately made, glazed side panels, fretwork openings for sound on each side, the front door decorated with motherof- pearl scroll inlay, the back door with fretted scrollwork panel, finely fretted and carved base and sides, small drawer in the front. The table: turntable on the top, naturalistically carved top, pierced freize inlaid with mother of pearl, six curved legs and stretchers inlaid with mother of pearl. D. Circular gilt brass, Chinese numerals, inner Chinese zodiac signs and innermost hour of the day symbols, minute track, gilt brass plate engraved with musicians on a bridge and scenes of figures by water in wooded landscapes, apertures for the zodiac symbols. Elaborate steel hour and minute hands, pierced steel hand for the 24-hours. M. Rectangular 26.5 x 23 cm, brass, engraved backplate, both trains with fusee and chain, verge escapement, brass bob pendulum, striking on an engraved bell. Dim. Clock: 55 x 37 x 29.5 cm. Table: 90 x 50 x 95 cm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3**

Good

Repair required, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Huali Wood Amember of the rosewood family, this was the principle hardwood used for furniture making in the mid-Ming to early Qing dynasties. It varies in color from pale honey to dark purple-brown. In pre-modern times this wood was known as huali. The modifier huang was added to describe the old huali wood whose surfaces had mellowed to a yellowish tone due to long exposure to light.