A dazzling vision of the orient conceived on a monumental scale, this unusual cloisonne enamel clock blends European and Asian motifs and styles and is an example of the fantastical taste prevalent in Europe and America in the mid to late 19th century.
The prestige and desirability of the present lot is indicated by a closely related wall clock acquired by William H. Vanderbilt for the famous Japanese Parlour at his mansion at 640 Fifth Avenue, currently preserved in the Art Institute of Chicago (inv. 2008.491). With identically cast dragon, closely related enamel decoration, identical Chinese numbers and identical gilt-bronze barrel decoration, the present lot is clearly from the same workshop as the Vanderbilt wall clock. The Art Institute of Chicago suggests that the clock was executed by Escalier de Cristal and there are indeed some parallels between these clocks and the work of the atelier, including a clock after a design by Henry Pannier illustrated A. and D. Masseau, L’Escalier de Cristal, Le luxe a Paris 1809-1923, 2021, p.179, a cloisonne jardiniere with related dragon mounts illustrated ibid. p.133 and a trapezoidal cabinet with cloisonne panels depicting Chinese vases related to that on the reverse of the present lot, illustrated ibid. p.122. Japonisme objects such as the present lot inevitably recall the work of Edouard Lièvre who designed pieces in Japanese and orientalist style for L’Escalier de Cristal and other major luxury houses. Producing highly original designs, examples of Lièvre's celebrated pieces include the Cabinet Japonais, now in the Musée d'Orsay (inv. OAO 555). After Lièvre's death, his sketches and plans, together with their reproduction rights, were sold, with many purchased by George and Henry Pannier, the directors of Escalier de Cristal, by this point known for their creations in 'Sino-Japanese' style.
The form of the moon flask itself has a layered history, having been adopted from Middle Easter metalware transported along the Silk Road to China where they quickly grew in popularity and became one of the favoured forms of imperial porcelain. With its cloisonne enamel decoration, bronze dragon mounts and function as a clock, this object thereby at first glance combines Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern and European motifs. A number of closely related moon flask vases and clocks of identical shape and scale but differing decoration have been sold at auction including a clock sold Christie’s, London, 15 March 2012, lot 126, (£32,450), a further clock offered Christie's, London, 1 November 2001, lot 279, and one of smaller dimensions sold Christie’s, London, 10 September 2013, lot 119. A pair of vases of this model but with porcelain bodies sold Sotheby's, New York, 14 April 2008, lot 187 ($97,000).