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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Persian Khatam Kari Marquetry Mosaic Square Wood Wall Clock

Partially verified

This decorative square wall clock is decorated with micro-mosaic marquetry inlay identified by the seller as Persian Khatam Kari. It features a square wooden body framing a circular central aperture edged with a repeating saw-tooth patterned border. Within the opening, stylized Arabic numerals are set in an openwork circular arrangement surrounding a solid central disc fitted with two dark hands. The seller dates the clock to circa 1970 and notes dimensions of 16 inches square by 1.75 inches deep, adding that the transparent dial section reveals the background wall surface.

Oblique front view of the Khatam Kari marquetry square wooden wall clock
Oblique front view of the Khatam Kari marquetry square wooden wall clock — Chairish. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
28211849
Source-reported date
c. 1970
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

Physical Construction and Design

This decorative square wall clock features a frame characterized by fine geometric marquetry, identified by the seller as Persian Khatam Kari. The design incorporates natural wood accents and mosaic patterns described as having metallic speckles.

The central circular dial aperture is delineated by an inner border featuring a sawtooth-patterned inlay. Within this circular opening, stylized Arabic numerals are arranged in an openwork pattern surrounding a solid central disc fitted with two dark hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Persian Khatam Kari Marquetry Mosaic Square Wall Clock is a stylish blend of mixed materials. It features a striking mosaic design with metallic speckles and natural wood accents.”
  • “Circular dial aperture surrounded by an inner sawtooth-pattern inlaid band”
  • “Openwork ring of stylized Arabic numerals surrounding a central circular disc with two dark hands”

Display and Functional Status

The object is intended for use as a display piece. A transparent section within the clock face is designed to reveal the background wall surface when the item is hung.

The seller explicitly notes that the mechanical elements are not guaranteed to be in working order and identifies the intended use as display only.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clear glass clock face almost appears suspended in the air and will show your wall color when hung.”
  • “Chairish sells clocks only with display as the intended use. The mechanical elements are not guaranteed to be in working order”

Provenance and Documentation Uncertainties

Dating for the object is reported by the seller as circa 1970. Information regarding the geographical origin of the item is inconsistent within the provided source documentation.

While the description text mentions an Iranian origin, the structured metadata lists the country of origin as the United States.

Evidence for this section
  • “Iran, 1970”
  • “Country of Origin United States”

Open research questions

  • What specific materials constitute the 'metallic speckles' mentioned in the product description?
  • Can physical inspection of the internal components confirm the presence or absence of a functioning clock movement?
  • How can the discrepancy between the Iranian cultural classification and the United States country-of-origin metadata be reconciled?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Persian Khatam Kari Marquetry Mosaic Square Wood Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dimensions16" height x 16" width x 1 3/4" depth“Dimensions: 16" height x 16" width x 1 3/4" depth”
Dated Period1970s“Period 1970s”
Primary MaterialWood“Materials Wood”
Seller-stated Origin TextIran, 1970“Iran, 1970”
Dimensions16 inches height by 16 inches width by 1.75 inches depth“Dimensions: 16" height x 16" width x 1 3/4" depth”
Dated Period1970s“Period 1970s”
Primary MaterialWood“Materials Wood”

Visible details

  • Square wooden frame decorated with fine geometric Khatam-style marquetry
  • Circular dial aperture surrounded by an inner sawtooth-pattern inlaid band
  • Openwork ring of stylized Arabic numerals surrounding a central circular disc with two dark hands
  • Transparent opening behind the numerals designed to show the wall behind when hung

Research qualifications

  • Origin data is contradictory: the descriptive text notes 'Iran, 1970' while structured metadata lists 'United States'.
  • No mechanical clock movement is described or shown, and the platform specifies intended use as display only.

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

Consulted source

1970s Persian Khatam Kari Marquetry Inlaid Mosaic Square Wood Wall Clock | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record f6c64fe88a

Terms in this record

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

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