Boulle Mantel Clock with Gilt Brass Figure

A large French boulle mantel clock, late 19th century, circa…
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A large French Boulle mantel clock, late 19th century, circa 1880, the case decorated with boulle work and gilt cast brass overall, surmounted with a gilt brass figure, the hinged glass door applied with a classical cast brass chariot, opening to a clock face with enamelled Roman numerals, raised upon scroll feet, with an eight day bell strike movement, 68 cm high, 32 cm wide, 15 cm deep. Provenance: The Rothschild collection, Melbourne

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  • 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.
  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Movement - The technical name for the workings of a clock or watch, and does not include the dial or case.

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