Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A French Bronze and Alabaster Mantel Clock, 1860

Mantel Clock, 1860
Alabaster, Bronze, Ormolu
Victoria & Albert Museum

Everyone in my family has an affinity for antique clocks. We’d be quite pleased to own this one. However, The Victoria & Albert Museum got to it first.


With a movement created by the famed French firm Japy Frères, this clock dates to 1860. The clock case—set atop an ebonized base and under a glass dome—was most likely crafted for the retailer, H.Y. Marc of Paris. The alabaster case features a shimmering bronze and ormolu sculpture of a warrior atop a charging stead. The timepiece is an excellent example of the singularly fine craftsmanship of the French clockmakers of the period.

Object of the Day: Antique French Figural Clock and Garniture

With rose marble bases, ormolu decorations and a spelter figure, this antique French clock and garniture is the height of French Nineteenth-Century design. The movement of this clock is by Japy Freres—the great French clockmakers founded by Frederick Japy in 1810. A non-chiming clock, it was designed for use in a bedroom. And, so, this clock and its flanking candelabrum happily grace the mantle in my own bedroom. Called a “figural clock” because of the sculpture that perches atop the timepiece, this set demonstrates the fluidity and grace unique to French design. The figure is exceptional. Sculpted by Rousseau, the figure is called “Les Lilacs” and depicts a young woman in a flowing gown. In her outstretched hand, she holds stalks of lilac and is the personification of freedom and springtime.

Exquisite in both materials and craftsmanship, this fine clock garniture is a reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty and encourages me to make the most of each day. Time, after all, is ticking away…