Pagoda Organ Clock
Artist: Movement attributed to James Cox (British (London))
Artist: or possibly Joseph Beloudy
Date: about 1780
Dimensions:
with stand, H: 40 in. (101.6 cm)
Medium: gilded bronze
Place of Origin: England
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1968.76A-B
Label Text:From the late 16th to the late 18th centuries, European colonialism was expanding in the East. The resulting contacts produced significant cultural exchanges and appropriations, but also misconceptions and stereotypes. Profoundly affected by these interactions were the areas of technology and the decorative arts. Europe became enamored of Chinese style, and a fashion known as chinoiserie permeated the decorative arts.
This large pagoda clock festooned with tiny gilt bells is one of the most elaborate and charming timepieces made in England in chinoiserie style. The three tiers enclose a clock mechanism that is coupled to an automatic bellow organ, a so-called “self-active organ.” The central tier with the enameled dial at the front also has three doors on each side revealing painted Chinese land- and seascapes with mechanical moving parts. When the clock chimed every quarter hour, the ships in the tower “sailed” on the sea, and, in a curious mix of “oriental” influences, the organ played English pseudo-Arabic melodies.
This large pagoda clock festooned with tiny gilt bells is one of the most elaborate and charming timepieces made in England in chinoiserie style. The three tiers enclose a clock mechanism that is coupled to an automatic bellow organ, a so-called “self-active organ.” The central tier with the enameled dial at the front also has three doors on each side revealing painted Chinese land- and seascapes with mechanical moving parts. When the clock chimed every quarter hour, the ships in the tower “sailed” on the sea, and, in a curious mix of “oriental” influences, the organ played English pseudo-Arabic melodies.
DescriptionGilded bronze clock on lacquered wood stand
Not on view
In Collection(s)