Auspicious Gold-Plated Copper Inlaid with Gemstones Gourd Water Mechanism Clock

Auspicious Gold-Plated Copper Inlaid with Gemstones Gourd Water Mechanism Clock

(Modern replica of the classic Emperor style from the Qianlong period, a candidate for cultural heritage status)

Dimensions:

• Height 96.5 cm, Width 38 cm, Thickness 30.5 cm

This replica is modeled after the classic wide clock style from the mid to late Qianlong period. The entire piece is divided into three layers. The top features a gold-plated copper and enamel gourd design symbolizing great auspiciousness, while the middle section consists of a water mechanism pillar, and the lower part forms the rectangular gold-plated copper clock body.

The white clock face is surrounded by various colored gemstones, with the hands designed in an openwork style reminiscent of European church spires. At the junction between the clock face and the gourd, a large water mechanism pillar is installed, featuring multiple twisted glass rods that rotate simultaneously when the music plays, creating a visual effect of flowing water.

In the center of the gourd’s belly is a large rotating flower that spins in time with the chimes, surrounded by ten smaller rotating flowers. The top of the gourd is adorned with a pineapple flower inlaid with red gemstones, which also spins gracefully when the music plays, captivating the viewer's attention.

The entire gold-plated copper clock frame is decorated with carved swirling leaves, and the four feet at the bottom are also adorned with swirling leaf patterns that echo the upper design. The side of the clock features exquisite carvings of intricate vine patterns, which are characteristic of the prosperous period of wide clocks, reflecting Emperor Qianlong's aesthetic preference for complexity and novelty. This style also resonates with the contemporary Rococo decorative trends popular in Europe.

This clock can chime every quarter hour, rotate flowers, activate the water mechanism, and chime on the hour, while also marking the minutes. For interactive use, there is a pull cord on the right side of the base, allowing one to listen to the chimes, activate the rotating flowers, and operate the water mechanism at any time. This work is based on an original piece once in the collection of Patricia Kluge.