Rococo Gilt Brass Cartel Wall Clock - Floral Urn Crest & Scroll Frame

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular kind of authority that a cartel clock commands on a wall — not the authority of size, but of presence. This gilt brass wall clock, faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the French Rococo cartel, announces itself through layered ornament: a floral urn crest bursting with hand-cast roses and lilies, scrolling acanthus arms that frame the dial with theatrical grace, and a tapered finial drop that draws the eye downward and anchors the composition. The white Arabic-numeral dial reads plainly against the surrounding drama — a deliberate contrast the 18th-century French ébénistes understood well: clarity at the centre, exuberance at the edges.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Cast in solid brass and finished in warm gilding, this cartel clock is a handcrafted piece where the metal does the work of sculpture. The casting process preserves every petal, every scroll curl, every leaf edge with precision — the hallmark of quality reproduction work. The floral urn at the crest references the vase-and-flower motif beloved by Rococo decorators, a symbol of natural abundance rendered permanent in metal. The scrolling side arms with their arrow-tipped accents echo the Rococo taste for asymmetric tension held in elegant balance. The dial housing itself is shield-shaped, a deliberate nod to the cartouche forms that defined Louis XV decorative vocabulary.

Dimensions & Details

Weighing 4 kg, this clock carries the substantial feel of quality cast brass. The proportions are scaled for a salon or reception wall — tall enough to command attention, refined enough not to overwhelm. A quartz movement powers the clock with precision and silence, keeping the focus on the visual presence rather than mechanical sound. Minimal assembly is required for wall mounting.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece from Brass & Wood is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in classical European casting and finishing techniques. The gilding is applied by hand, building the warm, even tone that distinguishes quality brasswork from production casting. This clock is a faithful interpretation of the French Rococo cartel tradition — a form that was, historically, the most prestigious type of wall clock in the 18th-century French interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this clock made from?

This cartel wall clock is cast entirely from solid brass with a hand-applied gilt finish. There are no wood or resin components — the frame, crest, and finial are all brass casting.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the clock needs to be wall-mounted using appropriate fixings. The wall mounting bracket and basic instructions are included.

Can this clock be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization on brass finish — available in Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold. Contact our team to discuss specific requirements before placing your order.