Jan’s and Company, a California distributer of extravagant antiques and affiliate of Sotheby’s, have put a Louis XV Tulipwood Marquetry grandfather clock on the market for $3.5 million.
This lavishly adorned clock stands at 11 feet 8 inches tall, 36 inches wide and 20 inches deep, and dates back to the late 1800’s. It was designed by Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener, a Germanic designer, who worked and resided in Paris. After setting up shop around 1880, Zwiener’s name was soon known around Paris where he was commissioned by wealthy families. During this time Zwiener developed his own style of luxury furnishings through a unique adaptation of the 18th century Louis XV Rococo style.
The Louis XV Tulipwood Marquetry clock perfectly portrays Zwiener’s style. The outside is intricately decorated with his signature gilt-bronze foliate scrolled molding, fine quality Marquetry and ‘Vernis Martin’ panels. At the top of the clock sits a reclining woman atop a cascading bed of fabric and foliage. She is wearing Cupid’s helmet. This image in not only one that Zwiener incorporated in much of his work, it is also symbolic of abundance. In several places, the clock is stamped with Zwiener’s initial “Z.”
This masterpiece is timeless as it combines tradition and luxury with a modern take on extravagance. In Jan’s and Company’s 30,000 foot showroom of 18th, 19th and 20th century European furnishings, fine art and décor it will certainly stand out.
Tags: Jan's Antiques
