Antique Porcelain Cherub Mantel Clock from Volkstedt, Germany, 1890

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A charming late 19th-century German porcelain mantel clock, attributed to the renowned porcelain workshops of Volkstedt, Thuringia, and designed in … Read more A charming late 19th-century German porcelain mantel clock, attributed to the renowned porcelain workshops of Volkstedt, Thuringia, and designed in the exuberant Rococo Revival style. The sculptural porcelain case is crowned by two finely modelled putti, seated playfully above the clock face. Their animated poses and delicately rendered features give the piece considerable character, while the surrounding case is formed with sweeping rocaille scrolls and foliate ornament characteristic of late 19th-century historicist design. The porcelain is decorated in a delicate palette of ivory, pale green and blush pink, enriched with hand-painted floral sprays and restrained gilt highlights. The combination of softly coloured enamels, gilding and elaborate modelling creates the luxurious decorative appearance associated with fine Thuringian porcelain. At the centre is a circular dial with Arabic numerals and delicate floral garlands, surrounded by a gilt metal bezel. The clock incorporates a traditional mechanical movement accessed from the rear and is supplied with its winding key. The underside bears a Volkstedt underglaze mark and impressed model numbers, identifying its association with the celebrated porcelain-making tradition of Volkstedt. The porcelain body presents very attractively overall, retaining strong colour and decorative detail. There is minor age-related surface wear and rubbing to the gilding, together with some small chips and a loss to one of the putti's wings, consistent with its age. The movement winds and a key is included, although long-term accuracy and timekeeping are not guaranteed. A highly decorative example of German Rococo Revival porcelain, combining sculpture, hand-painted decoration and traditional clockmaking in an elegant late Victorian-period object. Maker Volkstedt, Thuringia, Germany Period Circa 1890 Materials Hand-painted glazed porcelain, gilt decoration, enamel dial, gilt metal and mechanical movement Measurements Height: 26 cm / 10.2 in Width: 17 cm / 6.7 in Depth: 8.5 cm / 3.3 in See less