Pamono Chinoiserie Longcase Clock, 1750s> Clocks

England (London)
painted oak
mid-18th century

Dimensions: H × W × D: 236 × 48 × 24 cm

Antique English longcase clock with fine lacquer decoration.
On a dark green ground, rich golden chinoiserie scenes unfold: splendid temple complexes, figures, exotic birds, flowers and trees.

The main emphasis lies on the front view of the case with its arched door, stepped base, and hood. Supported by four columns and crowned with a pagoda-like top and ball finial, it corresponds to the typical design of London clocks from the mid-18th century. The sides, by contrast, are more modestly decorated with delicate floral motifs.

Characteristic of the time and region is also the arched dial form, which around the beginning of the 18th century replaced the previously common square dial. In this example, the arch houses the strike/silent control, surrounded by fire-gilt appliqués with C-scrolls and shell motifs. Similar ornaments appear in the spandrels of the silvered chapter ring.
Blacked hands and black Roman hours with Arabic minutes on a silver ground ensure good legibility.
Within the dial ring, on a matted and gilt ground, are the subsidiary seconds, the date aperture and the signature of the clockmaker: James Scholefield – London.

The clockmaking family Scholefield is documented over several generations in different horological directories. James Scholefield operated his workshop in London from 1747 to 1760. The present longcase clock is equipped with a weight-driven movement, striking the hours on a bell, with a running time of one week when fully wound.

Condition:
Restored, fully functional and authentic condition. The movement has been dismantled, cleaned and overhauled. The case has been cleaned, and the lacquer stabilised and retouched.