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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Table clock · Chine

Chinese clock «Hengdeli»

Verified

Table clock. Natural wood case. Enamel dial.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH IV-31
Object type
Table clock
Place of production
Chine
Dating
last quarter of the 19th c.
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
bois, émail, laiton, verre
Dimensions (catalogue)
Dimensions: 500.0 x 340.0 x 260.0 mm; poids: 8.000 kg
Inscriptions (catalogue)
亨得利

Historical significance

  • Table clock. Natural wood case. Enamel dial.
  • The case is decorated with wood carvings depicting branches and leaves with ending in balls, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. This decorative element is typical of table clocks in the «Suzhou clock» style. A longevity symbol is engraved on each of the two sides of the clock, a motif traditionally used in the decoration of furniture and clocks.
  • Movement with rectangular plates and four pinned pillars, comprising two trains, fusee-and-chain barrels, and stopworks. Verge escapement. Engraved back plate, probably Chinese manufacture. Simple pendulum that can be locked for transport by means of a notch. Striking work for hours and half-hours on bell. Time setting by means of a knurled wheel located in the upper left corner on the back of the movement.

Photographs

Chinese clock «Hengdeli» (MIH IV-31)
Chinese clock «Hengdeli» (MIH IV-31) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Chinese clock «Hengdeli» (MIH IV-31)
Chinese clock «Hengdeli» (MIH IV-31) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Chinese clock «Hengdeli» (MIH IV-31)
Chinese clock «Hengdeli» (MIH IV-31) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. IV-31: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/31682/

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.