Archibald Knox

Imagining an Irish Past : The Celtic Revival 1840-1940, The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, February 6-June 16, 1992
The Liberty Style, Metropolitan Teien Museum of Art, Tokyo, June 12-July 25, 1999, followed by a tour to six different museums in Japan through June 2000

Liberty Silver Sketch Book, Westminster City Archives, n.d., p. 196, no. 5054
Imagining an Irish Past: The Celtic Revival 1840-1940, exh. cat., The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 1992, p. 129, cat. 49 (for the present example listed)
The Liberty Style, exh. cat., Japan Art & Culture Association, Tokyo, 1999, p. 112, no. 166 (for the present example illustrated)
Adrian J. Tilbrook, The Designs of Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co, London, 2000, n.p. (for the model with turquoise stone)
Stephen A. Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, p. 234 (for the present example illustrated)

Overall in very good condition. The subtle modeling of the numbers and subtle interlaced decoration contrasts beautifully with the vivid turquoise coloration in the enamelwork and stone insets. A few very minor occasional surface scratches to the silver body, consistent with age and gentle handling. The proper left side of the case displays very minute and shallow pitting , which is visible in the catalogue illustration. A very few minor surface scratches adjacent to the clock mechanism key hole, likely from winding. The clock hands are very slightly bent, as is common for works of this date. The enamel of the clock hands with sensitive restoration to the thinner portions radiating from the center. The minute hand missing one of the small turquoise cabochons. The lower sodalite stone appears to be original and undisturbed. Movement is not guaranteed to run at the time of cataloguing and was not tested for accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer’s discretion. A superb example of this rare clock model, displaying a highly sculptural form with thoughtful decoration and bold inset stones.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

One of four examples known of this design by Knox, this silver clock from 1900 may be the earliest variant.  Simple in its overall conception, it projects a strong visual presence with its circle within a square face, colorful hands decorated with turquoise, hard stone and enamel, and Knox’s signature numerals.  He lightens and lifts the design with four tapering supports, the front two of which are crowned by elegantly chased entrelacs, a gently sculpted skirt, and a substantial striated stone cabochon that points upward.  Knox so greatly favored this design formula of circle within a square, redolent of ancient Manx crosses, that he used it later in his career in marvelous designs for gravestones and manuscript illuminations after returning to the Isle of Man. 

DR. STEPHEN A. MARTIN