Neoclassical Onyx & Brass Lyre Mantel Clock Set with Flanking Urns

Design & Inspiration

The lyre — symbol of Apollo, of harmony, of the Enlightenment's reverence for antiquity — anchors this magnificent mantel clock set in the tradition of late 18th-century French horological artistry. Faithfully reproducing the grandeur of Louis XVI and early Empire ateliers, this three-piece garniture commands attention through its architectural silhouette: a soaring lyre-form case crested with a pine-cone finial, flanked by two tall lidded urns on matching plinths. The entire composition rests on an oval base supported by cast lion's-paw feet adorned with scrolled acanthus appliqués — an ensemble that speaks not merely of timekeeping, but of civilised splendour.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is constructed from richly veined cream onyx, a stone prized since antiquity for its translucent warmth and the way its internal striations seem to glow under ambient light. Every column, urn body, and plinth panel is shaped from this precious stone, lending the set a natural luminosity that no paint or lacquer can replicate. The structural and ornamental framework is executed in precision-cast brass, chased and finished to a warm tone, incorporating acanthus scrolls, foliate garlands, swag-and-festoon friezes, and a beaded egg-and-dart border around the clock aperture. The twin flanking urns echo the clock's proportions exactly, their domed lids crowned with matching pine-cone finials — a hallmark of Neoclassical decorative vocabulary. The round clock face displays Roman numeral chapter ring with an ornate central emblem, housed behind a convex glass crystal.

Dimensions & Details

The complete three-piece set weighs 4 kg in total, reflecting the substantial quality of genuine onyx and solid cast brass components. The clock movement operates on a precise Quartz mechanism — ensuring accurate, battery-powered timekeeping with no need for winding. The set arrives in Minimal Assembly configuration: the urns and clock body are positioned on their respective bases, ready to anchor a mantelpiece, console table, or library credenza with immediate presence.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece in this garniture is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in the classical European tradition. The brass components are individually cast, hand-chased, and polished; the onyx elements are hand-shaped and fitted. Brass & Wood's workshop in Egypt upholds the standards of the great 19th-century Parisian fondeurs — ensuring that each set is a singular work of decorative art rather than an off-the-shelf commodity. Customisation of brass finish tone is available upon request, allowing you to select the variant that best complements your interior palette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this mantel clock set made from?

The set is crafted from genuine cream onyx stone for all column, urn, and plinth elements, combined with precision-cast brass for all structural armatures, mounts, finials, and decorative appliqués. The clock face is protected by convex glass crystal, and the movement is a reliable Quartz mechanism.

Is assembly required?

Only minimal assembly is required. The three pieces — central clock and two flanking urns — are placed on their onyx bases upon unpacking. No tools or technical expertise are needed.

Can the brass finish be customised?

Yes. This set is available in multiple brass finish variants including Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold tones. Please select your preferred variant at the time of ordering, or contact the Brass & Wood team to discuss bespoke finish options.