Gilt Automaton Chariot Pulled by an Elephant with chiming Clock

The original of this extraordinary piece was made in London, circa 1780. The Halim Museum of Time and Glass was in possession of the 18th century London-made gilt automaton elephant with the vase-form clock. Unfortunately, the chariot and all of the soldiers had vanished over time. The Halim Museum of Time and Glass took the complicated task of restoring the lost parts, recreating centuries-old craftsmanship unparalleled in the modern age. Well over 1,000 hours were dedicated to bringing this masterpiece to life. The entire restoration was performed by gifted local American artists and craftsmen, residing within five miles of the museum.

The mechanism installed in the belly of the elephant controls the automaton trunk, ears, eyes and tail with associated mahout sitting on the shoulders of the elephant. Under the belly is a wheel that controls the forward movement of the elephant. Atop the elephant is the vase-form clock with gilt foliage. The white enamel dial as well as the mouth of the vase is outlined with clear and red paste-set gems.

Directly behind the elephant is a large gilt bell adorned with musical instruments, supported by two wheels and surrounded by gilt heraldic figures. Behind the bell is a small platform surmounted by a gilt soldier. The gilt chariot coach has a curtained window. Atop the coach are two soldiers holding a drum with the letter “H” and a flag. The rear of the chariot is adorned with heraldic figures.

The fashion for placing a clock upon the back of an elephant has its roots in the elaborate mechanical clocks made in Augsburg in the 16th and 17th centuries. The style was particularly popular in the French clocks of the Louis XV period. Automaton clocks of this type were made in England, notably by James Cox, for export to China. These automaton clocks were a particular passion of the Chinese Court.