Louis XV Boulle Mantle Clock with Harvester Figurine
A large Boulle mantle clock in the Louis XV manner, 20th century, German, with maker's mark for Fhs, the eight day movement clock of shaped form with a decorative pressed brass dial, enamel cartouches and Roman numerals, surmounted by a pagoda top and a harvester figurine, the body in red and black tones inlaid with brass, with pierced rocaille elements and trims. Height 31.30 in. Width 15.16 in. Depth 7.48 in.
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- Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.
- Pagoda Top - A shape based loosely on that of a Chinese pagoda, that is, pyramidal with sloped sides and a top cap. However there are many variations on the basic shape from a relatively flat pagoda to a tall pagoda with almost parallel concave sides to a true pagoda shape. As found on a pagoda, the pagoda top is often surmounted by a fancy finial. The pagoda top is most frequently found on the hoods of 18th century long case clocks, and on bracket clocks, and sometimes on Chinese Chippendale style furniture.
- Boulle - Boulle work is the name given to tortoiseshell and metal inlay using brass and sometimes silver, found on furniture and smaller wooden objects. It originated in Italy but was developed by Frenchman Andre Charles Boulle (1642 - 1732) under Louis XIV.
Boulle was appointed Royal Cainet Maker to Louis XIV and designed furniture and clockcases for the monarch.
In preparation, the tortoiseshell and metal were cut together following a design, using a fine fret saw.
In the application of the Boulle, the carcase of piece of furniture was covered with the tortoiseshell which in turn was inlaid with the matched designs in metal, which in turn was elaborately engraved.
The use of Boulle work furniture continued mainly in France until the 19th century.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- clocks, mantle & shelf, period or origin
- clocks, material or decoration - Boulle 97
