A fine and rare late 18th century Chinese Imperial tribute paste-set ormolu and white marble quarter striking, centre seconds 'Double Gourd' table clock

The movement, pendulum and dial swinging horizontally as one in the open centre of a double gourd frame supported by a large tied foliate mount on a stepped oval socle applied with an open ormolu frieze of overlapping and intertwined scrolls and foliage, the top of the frame surmounted by a shaped ormolu mount depicting a stylised bat among clouds below a pineapple, the front of the frame set with over 160 individually shaped brilliant turquoise square-cut glass stones mounted between cast foliage and beading.

The white enamel Roman dial with Arabic quarters centred by a pair of paste-set hands and centre seconds hand, all framed by a multi-coloured bezel of 92 applied blue, red, yellow and clear paste gems mimicking sapphires, rubies, topaz and diamond. The pendulum-rod mounted with a similar running design of oval-cut paste gems and centred by a red-framed long life medallion, suspended on a knife edge mount set behind the finial. A pair of hinged arms mounted to the rear of the frame allow the clock to be secured for transit.

The twin spring barrel movement suspended on a knife edge with fine-screw adjustment set behind the top finial, the circular plates united by turned pillars, with deadbeat escapement mounted on the backplate; striking the quarters every fifteen minutes on a large bell and a pair of hammers, the whole backplate framed by an engraved running border and with stylised signature Luloilu(?). Ticking and striking. 68cms (2ft) high.