Stock Code: 2057 - SOLD

Description: A fine and rare George II green Japanned 8 day hour striking, longcase clock by Nathnaiell Gray, London. The case decorated with probably the rarest colour used on this period - green. The hood with broken arch door with curved sounding fretwork above with two urn finials. Below a broken arch Chinoiserie panel door depicting a Chinese scene bordered by a decorated surround, with a further Chinoiserie panel to the base below and decorated plinth.

The clock has a fine quality five pillar movement. The 12? dial with silvered chapter ring, inscribed Nathaniell Gray, London to the 6 o'clock position, matted brass centre with subsidiary second hand with silvered surround, twin winding holes, lower date aperture. The arch with a Strike/Silent selector, bordered by dolphin corner pieces, the dial quartered by urn spandrels.

A fine highly decorative and elegant clock.

Further Information: In the 17th century, The East India Company traded in lacquered objects from the Far East, this new and exotic decoration caught on as the latest fashion. The demand was so great that English cabinet makers began to imitate it and covered their furniture with "Japan". While Eastern 'lacquer' is composed of scores of thin coats of tree resin, sanded down and dried to a hard surface in humid conditions, the English 'Japan' usually consisted of a shellac polish, mixed with pigments such as lamp black, vermillion(red), or smalt and arsenic yellow (to obtain blues and greens). The Chinoserie and descoration was achieved by using gesso (a plaster mixture) to provide texture and colured with gold and silver leaf. The less important decoration (for instance to the side of the clock) was executed using metal powders.

Queen Anne furniture was often Japanned and later in the 1730's the wealthy would comission bespoke furniture in the style of Japan to furnish whole rooms.

Black and red 'Japan' is probably the most common, whilst green being one of the rarest. Of the few pieces of green japanning were commodes and cabinet furniture made by Thomas Chippendale for Harewood House near Leeds.

Condition: Excellent. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced, minor restorations to case. Base apparently original, plinth replaced. The decoration cleaned and refreshed.

Country of Origin: England

Origin/Age: English, George II, circa 1740

Provenance: Mr E Knott, Gately, Hampshire thence by descent.

Maker: Nathaniell Gray

Signed: Nathaniell Gray, London

Dimensions: Height 92.00 inches (233.68cm) Width 20.00 inches (50.80cm) Depth 10.00 inches (25.40cm)