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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Mantel clock by Démeter Chiparus

Partially verified

This mantel clock is a mixed-media piece featuring a central sculptural figure created by the artist Démeter Chiparus. The object is constructed from a combination of bronze, marble, and ivory. The design incorporates a chryselephantine-style female figure posed with outstretched arms and holding a wide, fan-like pleated skirt. The figure wears a decorated bodice and headwear and stands atop a central pedestal. The clock movement is integrated into a multi-tiered, stepped architectural base, which is composed of banded, patterned stone. The base is further decorated with geometric panels that flank the central, octagonal-shaped clock face. The overall composition balances the verticality of the sculptural element with the horizontal, stepped structure of the clock case. This item is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum under the accession number CIRC.205-1972.

A front view of the mantel clock showing the female figure on a tiered stone base with an octagonal clock face.
A front view of the mantel clock showing the female figure on a tiered stone base with an octagonal clock face. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Démeter Chiparus
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
CIRC.205-1972
Source-reported date
20th century
Source-reported place
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

Sculptural Composition

The clock is defined by a sculptural figure of a woman positioned atop the central pedestal of a tiered base. This element is described as being in the chryselephantine-style, a technique involving the combined use of metal and ivory.

The figure is depicted with her arms held wide, supporting a large, fan-like skirt with distinct pleating. She is dressed in a decorated bodice and wearing headwear, and is mounted directly above the clock's central movement housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “the chryselephantine-style figure surmounts the central pedestal.”
  • “The sculpted female figure stands with outstretched arms holding her fan-like pleated skirt out wide, wearing a decorated bodice and headwear.”

Base and Dial

The clock housing is designed as a multi-tiered, stepped architectural structure. It is crafted from a patterned, banded stone, which provides a visual foundation for the bronze and ivory sculpture above.

The clock face itself is octagonal in shape, located in the center of the stepped structure. Geometric panels are used to decorate the areas immediately flanking the dial, adhering to the architectural theme of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “the clock is integrated into a multi-tiered, stepped architectural base adorned with geometric panels flanking an octagonal clock face.”
  • “The patterned, banded stone base supports the central movement”

Identification and Documentation

This object is part of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, assigned the object record number CIRC.205-1972. The piece is dated to the 20th century.

The work is attributed to the artist Démeter Chiparus, based on records transcribed from the museum's collection. The current record is documented as a single object entry within the V&A museum database.

Evidence for this section
  • “The piece was created by the artist Démeter Chiparus during the 20th century.”
  • “Museum object number CIRC.205-1972”
  • “Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object”

Open research questions

  • Does the internal clock movement bear any specific hallmarks or a manufacturer's mark?
  • What are the precise dimensions of the clock including the sculptural figure?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mantel clock by Démeter Chiparus
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDémeter Chiparus“The piece was created by the artist Démeter Chiparus”
MaterialsBronze, marble and ivory“Executed using sculptural techniques, it is constructed from bronze, marble, and ivory.”
Accession numberCIRC.205-1972“Museum object number CIRC.205-1972”
Date20th century“Period 20th century”
FormSculptural mantel clock“The sculpted female figure stands with outstretched arms holding her fan-like pleated skirt out wide”
Base designStepped architectural base“the clock is integrated into a multi-tiered, stepped architectural base adorned with geometric panels”

Visible details

  • The clock dial features an octagonal frame.
  • The sculptural figure is positioned on a tiered stone pedestal.
  • The base incorporates banded, multi-coloured stone materials.
  • The female figure has outstretched arms and a pleated, fan-like garment.

Research qualifications

  • The attribution to Démeter Chiparus is provided by the museum record but not independently verified here.
  • The specific clock mechanism and movement type are not detailed in the provided source material.

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

Consulted source

Mantel clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f85eb53dc9

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records