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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Table or Bracket Clock with Marquetry

Partially verified

This table or bracket clock is constructed from an oak frame veneered with brass and pewter marquetry set against a tortoiseshell ground over red foil. Measuring 96.5 cm high, the clock features a tapered case with arched sides and a removable top hood. The front includes a window door with a molded arch, housing a white metal dial engraved with Roman numerals, surrounded by cast spandrels depicting female figures. A sun motif is engraved on a circular plate within the lunette. The clock is signed "IP KROESE AMSTERDAM" on the engraved border of the brass dial plate. The movement is a pendulum type incorporating hour striking and a repetition function. The external ornamentation includes cast bronze fittings, a figure of a youth crowning the hood, bearded masks on the upper corners, and leaf-adorned feet.

Full view of the table clock featuring marquetry inlay and cast bronze ornamentation.
Full view of the table clock featuring marquetry inlay and cast bronze ornamentation. — Rijksmuseum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Anonym / Johannes Pieter Kroese
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-2006-16
Source-reported date
ca. 1780 - ca. 1830
Source-reported place
Netherlands/England

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

Case Construction and Marquetry

The clock case is fashioned from an oak structure finished with elaborate marquetry. The decorative scheme utilizes a combination of brass and pewter inlaid into a tortoiseshell ground, which is further enhanced by an underlay of red foil. The geometry of the case includes a curved base and tapering sides, culminating in a removable top hood.

The front of the case is fitted with a straight window door topped by an arched molding. The edges are heavily decorated with bronze fittings, including bearded masks at the upper corners and foliage-decorated feet. The hood is surmounted by a cast bronze figure of a youth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Tafelklok of consoleklok van eikenhout, gefineerd met marqueterie van koper en tin op een fond van schildpad op rode foelie, en met verguld bronzen beslag.”
  • “De kast rust op vier koperen poten met rocailles en bladeren en vertoont op de vier bovenste hoeken gebaarde maskers.”

Dial and Ornamentation

The dial is made of white-colored metal and features engraved Roman numerals. Four cast corner pieces, each displaying a female figure, surround the main dial. Positioned within the lunette is a smaller circular plate engraved with a sun image, flanked by dolphin-shaped ornaments.

Beneath the dial, the case displays a black-fabric covered plate decorated with a central oval, gilded-copper medallion. This medallion depicts a figure, potentially Apollo, holding a bow and quiver, framed by laurel garlands. Additional decorative elements on this section include floral sprigs and mermaid figures blowing trumpets.

Evidence for this section
  • “De gegraveerde wijzerplaat van wit gekleurd metaal wordt omgeven door vier gegoten hoekstukken met vrouwenfiguren.”
  • “In de lunet wordt een ronde plaat van wit gekleurd metaal, gegraveerd met de zon, geflankeerd door gegoten zwikstukken met dolfijnen.”

Movement and Signature

The clock operates with a pendulum movement. It includes mechanical features for hour striking and a repetition function. The maker’s signature, 'IP KROESE AMSTERDAM', is engraved on the border of the brass plate that supports the dial.

The documentation suggests dual potential origins, noting both an anonymous maker from England and Johannes Pieter Kroese of Amsterdam, with dating provided as approximately 1780 to 1830.

Evidence for this section
  • “De klok heeft een slingeruurwerk, uurslagwerk en repetitie.”
  • “De wijzerplaat is bevestigd op een koperen plaat met een gegraveerde rand met midden onder de signatuur IP KROESE AMSTERDAM.”

Open research questions

  • Does the clock mechanism show specific manufacturing traits distinct to either English or Dutch horology?
  • What is the technical purpose of the repetition function in this specific model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Table or Bracket Clock with Marquetry
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohannes Pieter Kroese“Johannes Pieter Kroese, Amsterdam”
MaterialOak, brass, pewter, tortoiseshell, red foil, gilded bronze“Tafelklok of consoleklok van eikenhout, gefineerd met marqueterie van koper en tin op een fond van schildpad op rode foelie, en met verguld bronzen beslag.”
SignatureIP KROESE AMSTERDAM“signatuur, aan onderzijde wijzerplaat, graveren: ‘IP KROESE AMSTERDAM’”
FunctionsPendulum, hour striking, and repetition“De klok heeft een slingeruurwerk, uurslagwerk en repetitie.”
Dimensions96.5 cm x 48.5 cm x 20.5 cm“hoogte 96,5 cm x breedte 48,5 cm x diepte 20,5 cm”

Visible details

  • Cast bronze female figure spandrels
  • Sun motif engraving in the lunette
  • Gilded bronze figure finial on hood
  • Four feet featuring rocaille and leaf motifs

Research qualifications

  • The exact attribution of the maker remains divided between England and Johannes Pieter Kroese of Amsterdam
  • The identity of the figure in the oval medallion as Apollo is marked with a question mark in source documentation

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

Consulted source

Table clock or bracket clock, veneered with brass and pewter marquetry on a tortoiseshell ground

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1acbd4cc79

Terms in this record

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

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