Arita Model of Hotei Mounted as a Clock

Edo Period, 17th Century (Porcelain) Japanese
18th Century (Clock and Mount) French
H:25cm

Hotei seated on a drum with three karako (chinese boys) and two puppies, decorated in typical Arita coloured enamels and gilt c.1690.  The drum was later pierced with an opening for the French clock, the movement by Louis Mountjoye, Paris in c.1770. This specially commissioned piece sits on an ormolu base with lion’s paw feet. Includes a clock key , in working condition.

Similar Hotei Clock is part of the Royal Collection displayed in Buckingham Palace.