Lot 60
60
A Chinese black and gilt lacquered dragon fire clock
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A Chinese black and gilt lacquered dragon fire clock

19TH CENTURY

Details
A Chinese black and gilt lacquered dragon fire clock
19th century
Realistically carved dragon head with gaping mouth, hollowed back lined with a lead tray with incense wires, the carved gilt feet resting on later wood blocks
28in. (71cm.) high
Provenance
Bought from a dealer in 1987
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The dragon serves as the receptical for an incense stick which is laid flat in the boat across the U-shaped wires. Metal weights are suspended from thread at given intervals either side of the dragon. The incense stick is lit and over a period of time the heat will burn through the threads holding the lead balls causing them to fall - usually on to a hard receptical below - making sufficient noise from which to note the time or be woken up.

More from IMPORTANT CLOCKS

View All
View All