me, and assembled together they represent a warm and loving home where I have spent 25 years.”
Among the top lots of the auction is a Magnificent Imperial Tribute Gilt-Brass, Enamel and Paste-Set Quarter Striking Automaton Table Clock, Guangzhou Workshops, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, the movement later (est. $600,000/1 million). Clocks were a luxury in 18th century Europe, and in China at the time they were of even greater rarity. The Qianlong Emperor (1736-1795) in particular was an avid collector of all types of timepieces; more than 4,000 timepieces were known to have been in his collection, and could be heard chiming throughout the day. By the late 18th century, the Chinese had developed their own native clock making industry; the port of Guangzhou in particular developed as a manufacturing center for clocks as Western clocks passed through the hands of skilled craftsmen who studied and began to copy the pieces, combining European and Chinese elements. The present example is remarkable in that it retains its original fire gilding and lavish paste jewels. The eye-catching performance of revolving waterfall rods and figures passing in a tranquil landscape setting to the accompaniment of musical tunes still serves to astonish and amuse the present-day connoisseur just as it entertained and impressed an audience over two hundred years ago when it was made. The design of this magnificent clock combines the creativity, opulence and novelty that characterize many of the finest works of art destined for Imperial use of the Chinese emperors in the 18th century.
Mrs. Kluge’s collection of English furniture represents the pantheon of English craftsmen and includes such names as Thomas Chippendale, Henry Hill, John Linnell and John McLean. Leading the furniture on offer is an Important George III Satinwood-Crossbanded Mahogany Serpentine Brass-Mounted Dressing Commode attributed to Thomas Chippendale, circa 1770 (est. $400/600,000). Representing the zenith of English craftsmanship, the commode incorporates richly patterned mahogany veneers, detailed carving and distinctive brass handles. A Fine and Rare George III Inlaid Mahogany and Brass-mounted Serpentine-Fronted Dressing Commode attributed to Henry Hill, circa 1770-1775 is featured in the bedroom (est. $200/300,000). A Pair of George III Carved and Giltwood Marble-Top Pier Tables after a design by Robert Adam, circa 1770 will also be offered (est. $300/500,000). John McLean, one of the leading Regency cabinet-makers is represented by a Fine Gilt-Brass-Mounted Rosewood and Rosewood Grained Drum Table, circa 1810 (est. $200/300,000).
A Fine and Rare George II Mahogany and Walnut Collector’s Cabinet on Chest incorporating 17th / 18th century Florentine pietre dure, pietra albarese and pietra paesina panels to the drawer fronts, circa 1750, will also be included (est. $200/300,000). Two Pairs of George III Gilt Carton-Pierre Two-Light Girandoles, 1760, (est. $80/120,000 each) from Mrs. Kluge’s dining room are a rare example of a medium which, owing to its fragile nature, has rarely survived, particularly in objects of this size. A Set of Nine Chinese Wallpaper Panels within 18th Century Painted and Parcel-Gilt Papier-Mâché Frames from Stoneleigh Abbey, Berwickshire, circa 1765, will also be
