Louis XVI Neoclassical Lyre-Form Mantel Clock with Alabaster Columns & Ormolu Mounts

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular silence that only a great mantel clock can create — a stillness that anchors a room and declares, without apology, that time here is not merely measured but celebrated. This Louis XVI Neoclassical lyre-form mantel clock, faithfully inspired by the grandeur of late 18th-century French horological tradition, commands that very silence the moment it is placed upon a console, mantelpiece, or library shelf. The lyre silhouette — one of the most beloved motifs of the Neoclassical period — rises from a heavily decorated ormolu base, its white alabaster body catching light with a translucent warmth that no painted surface can replicate. Flanking the central lyre body, two slender alabaster column-vases, capped with gilt brass finials, lend the composition its characteristic three-part symmetry, evoking the great Parisian pendule de cheminée sets of the Louis XVI era.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Every surface of this handcrafted mantel clock speaks to the dedication of skilled Egyptian artisans working in a living tradition of European classical craft. The structural body is formed from genuine white alabaster, a semi-translucent stone prized since antiquity for its luminous warmth and smooth, veined surface. The metal framework, mounts, and decorative elements are cast and finished in high-quality brass, presented in your chosen finish — the gilt ormolu-style casting faithfully reproduces the chased and burnished bronze-doré mounts found on authentic Louis XVI and Empire clocks. The clock dial itself is a work of art: an ornate gilt chapter ring surrounds a central engraved floral medallion, with Arabic numerals and elegantly scrolled black hands, finished with a red seconds hand. The base is a masterpiece of relief casting — a broad rectangular plinth adorned with crossed torches, a quiver of arrows, laurel swags, and foliate scrollwork, all terminating in four acanthus-scrolled feet. This trophy motif — drawn directly from the classical vocabulary of the Louis XVI period — celebrates martial and artistic virtues in the tradition of French Neoclassicism.

Dimensions & Details

The clock weighs 4 kg, reflecting the substantial presence of its alabaster and brass construction. The three-part composition — flanking column-vases, central lyre body, and ornamental crown — creates an imposing vertical silhouette appropriate for a mantelpiece, credenza, or executive desk. The quartz movement ensures precise, battery-powered timekeeping without the need for winding, while the ornate exterior preserves the visual language of a 19th-century mechanical masterpiece. Available in Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold brass finishes to suit a range of interior palettes.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Brass & Wood is proud to bring the heritage of European classical furniture and decorative arts to discerning homes across the Arab world and beyond, crafting each piece in Egypt under the hands of artisans who have inherited generations of skill in metalwork and stone finishing. This lyre-form mantel clock is no exception — each casting is individually finished, each alabaster element is selected for its clarity and veining, and each piece is inspected before leaving our workshop to ensure it meets the exacting standards of luxury decorative objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this mantel clock made from?

This clock is crafted from genuine white alabaster for the structural body and flanking column-vases, combined with high-quality cast brass for all mounts, the base, and decorative elements. The movement is quartz, powered by a standard battery. No wood is used in this piece.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the flanking column-vases and crown finial may need to be positioned and secured, but no tools or specialist knowledge are needed. The clock arrives carefully packed and ready to display within minutes of unboxing.

Can this clock be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of the brass finish — choose from Gold, Silver, or Antique Gold to complement your interior. For bespoke requirements, please contact our team directly to discuss options.