Clock · Miniature clock

Miniature clock in the form of a bull

Partially verified

This miniature clock, held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 48.185.1), dates to the first half of the 18th century. The clock is constructed from gold, agate, and heliotrope, and is embellished with rose-cut diamonds. Its design features a central clock mechanism housed in an elevated gold structure supported by the back of an animal, which is rendered in stone. The entire composition stands on a rectangular base, which is also constructed from gold and stone elements. Measuring approximately 7 1/2 by 4 by 2 inches (19.1 by 10.2 by 5.1 cm), the object is characterized by its decorative application of precious materials and intricate metalwork. The documentation provided by the museum serves as the primary basis for the physical description, while the specific maker of this piece remains currently unattributed in the provided record.

A front view of the miniature clock, showing the gold-mounted clock housing supported by a carved agate bull figure on a decorative base. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: orbiscollectibles.com
Category: Clock · Miniature clock
Maker / attribution: Not established
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 48.185.1
Source-reported date: first half 18th 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

Physical Description and Materials

The object is a miniature clock, described by the institution as being crafted from a combination of gold, agate, and heliotrope. The construction relies heavily on the use of mineral specimens, which form the primary body of the animal figure and the base section.

The proportions of the object remain consistent with its classification as a miniature, standing at just over seven inches in total height.

Evidence for this section

“Gold, agate, and heliotrope, set with rose diamonds”
“7 1/2 x 4 x 2 in. (19.1 x 10.2 x 5.1cm)”

Design and Composition

The visual design centers on the representation of an animal, categorized within the museum's records under the subject of 'Animals'. The clock face is integrated into a metallic, architecturally-styled housing that appears to rest upon a saddle or decorative harness fashioned from gold on the back of the figure.

The contrast between the organic stone and the structured metallic elements is a primary feature of its aesthetic profile.

Evidence for this section

“Animals”

Institutional Attribution and Documentation

The object is held within the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and is formally recorded as accession number 48.185.1. It is currently categorized within the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department.

While the museum provides metadata concerning the physical dimensions, materials, and dating of the piece, the specific historical context, such as the maker or the workshop of origin, is not included in the primary dataset provided for this record.

Evidence for this section

“Clock in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (accession 48.185.1), catalogued by the museum's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department”
“The museum dates it first half 18th century.”

Open research questions

Which horological workshop or region is historically associated with this style of animal-form miniature clocks?
Does the movement contain any specific maker's signatures or hallmarks that are not visible in the general photograph?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Miniature clock in the form of a bull
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Museum	The Metropolitan Museum of Art	“The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York”
Object ID	48.185.1	“48.185.1”
Date	first half 18th century	“first half 18th century”
Materials	Gold, agate, heliotrope, and rose diamonds	“Gold, agate, and heliotrope, set with rose diamonds”
Dimensions	7 1/2 x 4 x 2 inches	“7 1/2 x 4 x 2 in. (19.1 x 10.2 x 5.1cm)”
Department	European Sculpture and Decorative Arts	“European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department”
Subject Tags	Animals	“Animals”

Visible details

The clock mechanism is positioned in a central housing atop the back of a carved stone bull.
The base and the saddle-like covering on the animal are decorated with gold scrollwork and set with small sparkling stones.
The dial features black numerals on a circular track with two central hands.
The animal figure appears to be fashioned from translucent, multi-toned agate or heliotrope.

Research qualifications

The specific maker and regional origin of the clock are not identified in the provided record.
The internal movement details and mechanical condition remain unverified by the provided documentation.

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

Consulted source

Miniature clock, first half 18th century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0a554c1dc0

Terms in this record

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