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Object Timeline

-0001

1955

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Chinoiserie Clock Case Clock Case

This is a Clock case. It was attributed to Johann Gottlob Kirchner and manufactured by Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. It is dated 1730–1733 and we acquired it in 1955. Its medium is porcelain, vitreous enamel, gold, metal. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The lantern shape of this clock is reminiscent of the structure of traditional oriental temples and houses, reference to China popular in porcelain decoration at the Meissen factory at this time. It reflected the Chinese origins of hard-paste porcelain which Meissen had been among the first to re-discover in Europe. The influence is also highlighted with the gilded scrollwork and chinoiserie scenes around the base and on the face of the clock, where European versions of traditionally dressed characters can be seen.

This object was donated by Irwin Untermyer, Esq.. It is credited Gift of Irwin Untermyer.

  • Tall Clock, Tall case clock
  • mahogany, carved teak with dial faces of gilded and patinated metal, glass.
  • Cleveland Museum of Art, The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund,1992.70.
  • 21.2013.1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 42.3 × 22.5 × 12 cm (16 5/8 × 8 7/8 × 4 3/4 in.)

It has the following markings

Back of clock, at base: [1] double crossed swords, painted in underglaze blue (Meissen Porcelain Manufactory mark) Underside (unglazed): [1] "9656" (?), painted [2] "2188", painted

It is signed

Unsigned

It is inscribed

Uninscribed

Cite this object as

Chinoiserie Clock Case Clock Case; Attributed to Johann Gottlob Kirchner (1706–1738); Manufactured by Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (Germany); Germany; porcelain, vitreous enamel, gold, metal; H x W x D: 42.3 × 22.5 × 12 cm (16 5/8 × 8 7/8 × 4 3/4 in.); Gift of Irwin Untermyer; 1955-163-13

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18404081/ |title=Chinoiserie Clock Case Clock Case |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=26 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>