Clock with Imperial Qing Wagon, and Elephant (Replica)

In the spirit of the collaboration of the 18th & 19th century English and Chinese artists, the Halim Museum of Time and Glass has created this stunning piece. Using a combination of genuine Chinese and European objects, as well as the work of the finest 21st century craftsmen, it is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure.

The wagon was made in the Imperial workshops during the Qianlong period (1736–1795) and contains a stamp that verifies its authenticity. Striking blue enameled wheels add interest and the filigree shutters open to peer inside.

The wagon is surmounted by a Chinese enamel and paste-set gem gold gilt musical and automaton mantel clock was made in the early 19th century at the Guangzhou workshops. The arched case with elegantly shaped feet has a moulded top surmounted by a pineapple finial. The blue ground enamel side panels are encased in scroll and foliate oval frames. Blue and red paste-set gems adorn the highly polished case with floral motifs. The dial is surrounded by a finely rendered blue enamel dial plate. A painted automaton waterfall scene with automaton rowing boats and automaton oarsman is in the arch. The movement plays hourly on a nest of eight bells and eight hammers. The movement has an engraved border and “nonsense” signature on the back plate.

The elephant is finely modeled 19th French porcelain, and is adorned with a gold-gilt saddle cloth with red and crystal paste set gems, and crystal and red past gems as the reins and head decoration.

The base is a modern creation in the manner of James Cox with elegant swags and finely cast and chased elephants as the feet.