Musical Mantel Clock with Automata“The Eight Fairies”

Inventory Number: C1911001LC

Made in Guangzhou, during the Jia-Qing Reign, Qing dynasty (1760-1820). Size: 67cm x 35cm x 21cm. Mahogany case with gilt brass ornaments. There is a gilt rooster standing on the case top. 

The clock is made up of three levels, the lower level is the automata scene including waterfall(by using twisted glass rods to simulated the water-flow), several figures and music box, English movement with 8 bells and 12 hammers, moreover, the is two Chinese characters signed on the movement which is very rare to be found on the Canton Clock. 

The middle lever is automata mainly depicting a traditional Chinese fairy tale- the eight fairies crossing the sea. The top is the clock with time and quarter-striking chime, English movement with 2 bells and 2 gongs. After it strikes the hour, the music and automata will be activated automatically, a magnificent piece made in Guangzhou, very rare to be found in the civil market.

On loan from the private collections of Mr. Huo Feile.