John Mottram. A George III gilt-brass and enamel musical automaton clock for the Chinese market, London, circa 1790

John Mottram. A George III gilt-brass and enamel musical automaton clock for the Chinese market

London, circa 1790

the ormolu three-tier case surmounted by a silvered dome comprising twelve engraved segments which open to reveal spinning glass rods simulating a fountain and jets of water, with a further rotating mast and paste-set spiral rotating finials; the upper tier with a paste-set whorl comprising nineteen contra-rotating stars, the bezel set with further red pastes, the sides inset with enamel plaques painted with river landscapes in the manner of Jean-Louis Richter and within guilloché enamel panels, the rear with an acess door inset with guilloché enamel panels; the central tier with enamel clock dial with centre seconds, the two-train fusee movement with pin wheel escapement and quarter striking on two bells, the sides inset with further similar riverside scenes; the lower tier with a large contra-rotating flower set with red, green, yellow and white pastes, the musical and automaton movement with two fusees and playing one of four tunes at the hour or at will on a carillon of ten bells with ten hammers and powering the automaton features, the enamel tune selection dial signed John Mottram, London, the sides inset with enamel plaques depicting women and children in 18th century dress, the whole inset with further guilloché enamel plaques of various patterns and each tier with pierced balustrades, the stepped base with further conforming balustrades and inset with guilloché enamel panels, the splayed feet with enamel details; on a later mahogany turntable plinth

92cm 36¼in high