Spectacular Chinese Cloisonné Congreve Rolling Ball Clock – Mechanical

An exceptional and highly decorative mechanical rolling-ball clock, based upon Sir William Congreve's famous early 19th-century clock design and beautifully embellished with traditional Chinese cloisonné enamel work.

Unlike a conventional pendulum clock, the fascinating mechanism uses a steel ball travelling across a tilting platform to regulate the clock. As the ball completes its journey, the platform changes inclination and the process begins again, providing a wonderful mechanical display.

The elaborate skeletonised movement is supported between richly decorated cloisonné enamel columns, with additional enamelled architectural details and numerous polished metal spheres creating a particularly striking presentation.

The clock features a traditional Roman-numeral dial with ornate hands and is completely enclosed within a substantial brass-framed glass display case, mounted upon a black timber base.

Features: mechanical Congreve-style rolling-ball movement; Chinese manufacture; elaborate cloisonné enamel decoration; skeletonised movement; Roman-numeral dial; polished steel ball display; brass-and-glass display case; timber plinth; and impressive mechanical operation.

Condition: Presents extremely well. Please refer to photographs for cosmetic condition.

A spectacular conversation piece combining mechanical horology with traditional Chinese decorative arts. The exposed mechanism and constantly moving rolling ball make this particularly engaging when displayed.