Italian Hand-Painted Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Grandfather Clock
Antique Furniture and Clocks

Italian Hand-Painted Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Grandfather Clock

This is a decorative Venetian-style longcase clock, likely dating from the mid-20th century, executed in the elegant Chinoiserie taste. The piece features a tall, slender silhouette with a distinctive black lacquer finish, heavily accented by hand-painted gilt scrolling, floral motifs, and scenic vignettes. The hood is topped with three brass finials and a broken arch pediment, while the trunk and base display intricate cartouches depicting pastoral or romantic figures in a landscape, reminiscent of the Rococo revival style. The face of the clock features a dual-dial arrangement with a polished brass and silvered finish, likely housing a modern mechanical movement. Notably, the lacquer is embellished with mother-of-pearl or abalone shell inlays within the floral patterns, adding a reflective depth to the surface. The construction appears to be a combination of wood and gesso, with heavy gold leafing on the structural moldings. While the clock presents well, there are minor chips in the lacquer along the bottom edge of the base and a light patina on the brass finials. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high-end decorative piece intended for luxury interiors, blending traditional clockmaking with Italian artisanal furniture techniques.

Estimated Value

$4,500 - $6,500

Basic Information

Category

Antique Furniture and Clocks

Appraised On

May 10, 2026

Estimated Value

$4,500 - $6,500

Item Description

This is a decorative Venetian-style longcase clock, likely dating from the mid-20th century, executed in the elegant Chinoiserie taste. The piece features a tall, slender silhouette with a distinctive black lacquer finish, heavily accented by hand-painted gilt scrolling, floral motifs, and scenic vignettes. The hood is topped with three brass finials and a broken arch pediment, while the trunk and base display intricate cartouches depicting pastoral or romantic figures in a landscape, reminiscent of the Rococo revival style. The face of the clock features a dual-dial arrangement with a polished brass and silvered finish, likely housing a modern mechanical movement. Notably, the lacquer is embellished with mother-of-pearl or abalone shell inlays within the floral patterns, adding a reflective depth to the surface. The construction appears to be a combination of wood and gesso, with heavy gold leafing on the structural moldings. While the clock presents well, there are minor chips in the lacquer along the bottom edge of the base and a light patina on the brass finials. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high-end decorative piece intended for luxury interiors, blending traditional clockmaking with Italian artisanal furniture techniques.

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