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Chinoiserie
One of the great legacies of the clockmakers of the 18th century is
the gift of emulating the oriental designs in gilt and lacquer. Chinoiserie was the height of fashion in the Georgian era particularly in the second half of the 18th century and many objects survive to this day. Some of the greater National Trust Houses have entire rooms dedicated to the style. Whilst here we see just one example of the art, the taste for the orient was to be found in furniture whether it be a bureau bookcase or a tea caddy or even a tea tray. Hand painted wall paper completed the look.
There are many long case clocks decorated in Chinoiserie but unfortunately the long term demise of the longcase has resulted in neglect and decay of such clocks. Restoration can cost multiples of the value of the clock. Fortunately, possibly as a result of fashion, restoration of chinoiserie in the tavern clock world is in relative good health. But beware, there are very few skilled practitioners and an incorrect restoration will ruin a clock. Either buy from or go to an expert. There is no template of designs for artists to work to and as a result there is no substitute for experience.
