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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Mechanical 8-Day Mantel Clock with Dragon, Guardian Lion, and Crane Relief Motifs

Partially verified

This mantel clock features a mechanical 8-day striking movement. The object is constructed with an all-metal exterior, contrasting with the source's descriptive text which refers to slate and marble materials. The design incorporates distinct Eastern-inspired motifs, including a metal guardian lion (Foo Dog or Shishi) mounted atop the clock case and two dragon-shaped handles on the sides. A metal relief panel depicting cranes in a reed bed is positioned below the dial. The dial itself features Roman numerals and a patterned metallic center, with two winding apertures indicating independent spring barrels for the timekeeping and striking functions. The clock rests on a decorative, latticed base with four ornate feet.

Front view of the clock featuring a metal guardian lion topper, dragon side handles, dial with dual winding apertures, and a crane relief panel.
Front view of the clock featuring a metal guardian lion topper, dragon side handles, dial with dual winding apertures, and a crane relief panel. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
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

Construction and Visual Design

The clock is presented as an all-metal object, featuring a series of stylized decorative elements. The case is surmounted by a metallic guardian lion, commonly referred to as a Foo Dog or Shishi. The lateral aspects of the clock housing are adorned with handles fashioned in the form of Chinese-style dragons, providing a textured, sculptural profile.

A central relief panel is situated beneath the dial, depicting a scene of cranes in a reed bed. The entire structure is supported by a base characterized by an intricate latticed design and four decorative feet. The dial contains Roman numeral hour markers and a patterned metal center, and it includes two winding ports used for the internal spring-driven mechanisms.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت بر روی پایه‌ای مشبک و کارشده به همراه چهار پایه تزیینی با نقوش اساطیری مستقر شده است”
  • “بر بالای طاق ساعت، مجسمه فلزی یک شیر نگهبان اساطیری (Foo Dog / Shishi) قرار دارد”
  • “در دو سوی بدنه، دسته‌هایی به فرم اژدهای چینی با جزییات برجسته نصب شده‌اند”

Mechanism and Functionality

According to the provided information, the timepiece operates via a mechanical 8-day striking movement. The presence of two distinct winding apertures on the face of the dial confirms a dual-spring arrangement, providing independent power for the timekeeping escapement and the hour-striking chime mechanism.

The auction description reports that the movement is in good working order. There is no additional technical documentation provided regarding the specific caliber or the type of pendulum or escapement utilized within the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور این ساعت یک سازوکار کوکی ۸ روزه با قابلیت زنگ‌زنی است”
  • “وجود دو دهانه کوک روی صفحه نشان‌دهنده وجود دو فنر مستقل برای چرخ‌دنده‌های حرکت و سازوکار زنگ ساعت است”

Provenance and Authenticity

The seller claims the clock is entirely original in its current state. The auction description reports that the object displays minimal signs of wear consistent with age, though there is no documentation regarding recent maintenance or internal servicing.

A notable discrepancy exists between the physical characteristics visible in the photographs and the descriptive text provided by the source. While the documentation asserts the clock is constructed of slate and marble and features a figure of a woman feeding a deer, these elements are absent from the actual object, which is composed entirely of metal with Asian-inspired motifs.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت کاملاً اصیل (All original) بوده و در وضعیت کارکرد مطلوب (good working order) قرار دارد”
  • “در متن توضیحات فروشنده به بدنه‌ای از سنگ اسلیت و مرمر با تندیس زنی در حال غذا دادن به گوزن اشاره شده، در حالی که در تمامی تصاویر موجود، ساعتی تمام‌فلزی با تزیینات اژدها و شیر اساطیری دیده می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or period of origin for this metal-cased clock?
  • Does the relief panel depicting cranes suggest a particular regional influence or artistic tradition beyond the general 'Orientalist' classification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mechanical 8-Day Mantel Clock with Dragon, Guardian Lion, and Crane Relief Motifs
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement8-day mechanical striking“موتور این ساعت یک سازوکار کوکی ۸ روزه با قابلیت زنگ‌زنی است”
ConditionReported as all original and in good working order“ساعت کاملاً اصیل (All original) بوده و در وضعیت کارکرد مطلوب (good working order) قرار دارد”
MotifsGuardian lion, dragon handles, and crane relief“بدنه ساعت بر روی پایه‌ای مشبک و کارشده به همراه چهار پایه تزیینی با نقوش اساطیری مستقر شده است. بر بالای طاق ساعت، مجسمه فلزی یک شیر نگهبان اساطیری (Foo Dog / Shishi) قرار دارد. در دو سوی بدنه، دسته‌هایی به فرم اژدهای چینی با جزییات برجسته نصب شده‌اند”
WindingTwo winding holes on the dial“وجود دو دهانه کوک روی صفحه نشان‌دهنده وجود دو فنر مستقل برای چرخ‌دنده‌های حرکت و سازوکار زنگ ساعت است”

Visible details

  • Guardian lion figure mounted at the top
  • Dragon-shaped handles on the sides
  • Latticed metal base with four ornamental feet
  • Relief panel featuring cranes beneath the dial

Research qualifications

  • The source description contradicts visual evidence, incorrectly claiming slate and marble construction and the presence of a female figure feeding a deer
  • The source provides no specific maker, date, or manufacturing origin for the timepiece

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

Consulted source

Wonderful Rare Art Deco Figural slate & marble Mantle clock – 8 Day striking

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b6078b6d96

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