Gilt Metal & Porcelain Clock with Japy Freres Movement

A French 19th century gilt metal and porcelain cased clock, the…
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A French 19th century gilt metal and porcelain cased clock, the hand painted face and dial with figures, butterflies and flowers reserved on a bleu celeste ground, surmounted by an urn of conforming decoration. The bell striking 8-day movement stamped 'Japy Freres & Cie'. Height 44.5 cm on giltwood plinth. Provenance: The estate collection of Prof. G. Dawson.

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  • Bleu Celeste - "Bleu céleste" is a French term that translates to "sky blue" in English, and it refers to a specific shade of blue pigment used in the decoration of porcelain. This color is a light, sky-blue shade that was often used in combination with other colors to create intricate designs on porcelain pieces. The use of "bleu céleste" was was first used by the Sèvres porcelain factory in the 18th century, and became popular in the 19th century. The colour is created by adding copper oxide to the glaze. It was valued for its ability to add a touch of lightness and delicacy to porcelain designs. The color was often used to create floral motifs, landscapes, and other decorative elements, and it was prized for its ability to evoke feelings of calmness and serenity.
  • Giltwood - Giltwood is used to describe a gold finish on furniture and other decorative wooden items, whereby a thin sheet of gold metal, called gold leaf, is applied to the surface for decorative purposes.

    Unlike gilding, where the gold leaf is applied over a coating of gesso, with giltwood the gold leaf is applied direct to the surface, or over a coat of linseed oil gold leaf adhesive.

    Most gold-finished mirrors will be gilded, whereas furniture with gold highlights will have the gold applied through the giltwood method.
  • Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.

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