Earthenware mantel clock Japanese style Vieillard manufactory Bordeaux circa 1880

The clock has a baluster shape with a circular body, resting on a base with four curved feet in polychrome glazed earthenware. The body is entirely decorated with stylized interlacing floral motifs, punctuated by circular turquoise medallions bearing Sino-Japanese characters. It is flanked by two handles in the form of lion heads and topped with a striking finial shaped like a rooster in turquoise earthenware, imitating a lid.

This decorative program, characteristic of the Japonist style developed by Amédée de Caranza—head of the workshop from 1878—demonstrates the exceptional mastery of high-temperature enamels by the Vieillard manufactory, which made a strong impression with its Orientalist and Japonist productions at the Paris International Exhibition of 1878.

Excellent condition. Two very small chips on one of the feet and on one handle, visible in the photographs. The clock mechanism has not been serviced.