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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tavern clock

An 18th Century Black Lacquer and Chinoiserie Decorated Tavern Clock

Partially verified

This black lacquer and chinoiserie decorated tavern clock dates to the 18th century, as reported by the auction house. The clock features a 21-inch circular painted dial marked with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic five-minute intervals. According to the cataloguer, the dial fronts an eight-day weight-driven A-frame movement regulated by an anchor escapement. The black lacquered case includes a circular moulded dial surround, shaped decorative side ears, a hinged shaped trunk door, and a chisel base. The trunk door and case are ornamented with gilt chinoiserie artwork showing figures in an architectural landscape bordered by scrolling foliate motifs.

Front view of the 18th-century black lacquer and chinoiserie decorated tavern clock
Front view of the 18th-century black lacquer and chinoiserie decorated tavern clock — Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Tavern clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0854
Source-reported date
18th Century
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Visual Features

The clock displays a 21-inch white painted dial featuring Roman numerals and an outer minute track.

The clock face incorporates counterpoised hands used to indicate the time.

Evidence for this section
  • “the 21" white painted dial with Roman numerals and outer minute markers”

Case Construction and Ornamentation

The case is finished in black lacquer and features a moulded surround, a shaped trunk door, a shaped chisel base, and side ears.

The exterior is decorated with figures in a landscape setting, enclosed by floral side motifs. The overall dimensions are 154 cm in height and 66 cm in width.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case with moulded surround above a shaped trunk door and shaped chisel base with side ears, decorated figures in a landscape setting enclosed by floral sides.”
  • “(154cm high 66cm wide )”

Mechanism and Technical Reporting

According to the provided source, the clock contains a weight-driven eight-day A-framed movement regulated by an anchor escapement.

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided imagery, and its presence relies on the auction house description.

Evidence for this section
  • “fronting a weight driven eight-day A framed movement with anchor escapement.”

Open research questions

  • What specific construction features confirm the attribution of an A-frame movement as 18th-century production?
  • Does the provenance or physical inspection of the dial surface reveal a maker's mark or specific regional origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for An 18th Century Black Lacquer and Chinoiserie Decorated Tavern Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial Diameter21 inches“the 21" white painted dial”
Movement DurationEight-day“weight driven eight-day A framed movement”
EscapementAnchor escapement“with anchor escapement”
Case DecorationFigures in a landscape setting enclosed by floral sides“decorated figures in a landscape setting enclosed by floral sides.”
Dimensions154 cm high by 66 cm wide“154cm high 66cm wide”
Dating18th Century“AN 18TH CENTURY BLACK LACQUER AND CHINOISERIE DECORATED TAVERN CLOCK”

Visible details

  • Large circular dial featuring Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute numerals along the outer track.
  • Counterpoised pierced hands over an off-white dial ground.
  • A single winding aperture is visible below the central hand arbor.
  • Trunk door decorated with gilt chinoiserie imagery depicting pavilions, trees, and figures.
  • Curved side ears below the dial bezel ornamented with gilt scrolling foliate decoration.
  • Moulded chisel base with painted decorative bands.

Research qualifications

  • The internal weight-driven A-frame movement and weights are not visible in the photograph; mechanism details rely entirely on source reporting.
  • Maker and specific regional origin are not recorded in the auction listing.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

An 18th Century Black Lacquer And Chinoiserie Decorated Tavern Clock - May 28, 2022 | Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers In North Yorkshire

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 8b1596349e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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