Desk clock; Paris, France, third quarter of the nineteenth century.

Table clock; Paris, France, third quarter of the nineteenth century.
Gilt bronze and enameled porcelain.
Brocot suspension.
Preserves pendulum and key.
Signed Richond (dial) Japy Frères (machinery).
Measurements: 37 x 49 x 12 cm.
This table clock entirely made of gilded bronze rises on a wide base decorated with enameled porcelain plates, on which rests the clock itself, with the dial in Roman numerals in cobalt blue. Leaning on this clock are two cherubs of graceful morphology and beautiful features. Formally it highlights the exuberant and decorative figuration in ancient classical art, a constant reference in the arts of this period.
Japy Frères, originally founded as a watch mechanism factory by Frédéric Japy in 1777, is a renowned French watch brand. The factory, located in Beaucourt, grew significantly, and in 1806, three of his sons joined the business and the company was renamed Japy Frères. Later, in 1854, it became Japy Frères et Cie. The company was noted for its mass production of watches, including watches for the military, and was a major supplier of machinery to the French watchmaking industry. Their production ranged from pocket watches to wall clocks and table clocks, and they were especially known for their Belgian black slate case clocks and travel clocks.