This very unusual clock has survived in remarkably original condition, it is a good example of the expensive and exotic creations made in Paris during the 19th century and almost certainly originated from an atelier in the Palais Royal. Flower-form clocks are rare, and due to their delicate nature few survive to the present day. Other known examples include a rose, sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, November 16, 2008, lot 246 and a sunflower is illustrated in: Tardy, Le Pendule Francaise, 2ème. Partie, p. 231. Chrysanthemums were first Cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. An ancient Chinese city (Xiaolan Town of Zhongshan City) was named Ju-Xian, meaning "chrysanthemum city". The plant is particularly significant during the Double Ninth Festival. The chrysanthemum flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century AD, and the Emperor adopted it as his official seal. There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the chrysanthemum. The flower was brought to Europe in the 17th century. Linnaeus named it from the Greek word chrysous, "golden" (the color of the original flowers), and "anthemon", meaning flower.