“Double Decker Mantel Clock"

Fascinated with Western clocks, the Chinese used them as inspiration for their own creations. The Double Decker Clock with Singing Bird was made by the French firm Japy Freres that specialized in automaton birds in naturalistic settings. They were a particular favorite of Chinese collectors; and the use of a sweep seconds hand on this example indicates that this clock was made for the Chinese market.

The resemblance of the Chinese Double Dial Mantel Clock is extraordinary, with a Chinese interpretation. The bottom dial shows Western time, and the top dial shows the time in Chinese characters. A subsidiary dial below is for setting the alarm and indicates the seconds. The Chinese became adept at copying European timepieces. This double dial clock closely resembles the style of the Japy Freres double decker clock made in France. It was not uncommon for the Chinese to try to pass off their locally made items as European imports, always highly prized by the Chinese.