Rococo Gilt Cartel Wall Clock — Pierced Scrollwork Frame with Pendulum Drop

Design & Inspiration

The cartel clock — a form born in the ateliers of eighteenth-century Paris — was never merely a timekeeping device. Hung high on a salon wall, it was a declaration: here is a household that understands beauty. This handcrafted Rococo cartel wall clock faithfully reproduces the tradition of the French cartel pendule in all its pierced, scrolling, asymmetric glory. The elongated silhouette — loop hanger at the crown, clock body at centre, teardrop pendulum drop below — creates a vertical rhythm on the wall that draws the eye upward and holds it there.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The entire case is cast in solid brass and finished in a warm gilded tone, with the characteristic warmth that distinguishes quality casting from painted imitation. Every element of the pierced frame — the interlocking C-scrolls, the acanthus leaf cresting at the top, the foliate cartouche pendant below — has been individually worked and hand-finished. The openwork lattice of the neck and the perforated surround of the clock face allow light to pass through, casting delicate gold-toned shadows against the wall behind. The clock face itself presents Arabic numerals on an aged cream dial, with slender black hour and minute hands and a red seconds hand — a subtle nod to the period's watchmaking tradition.

Dimensions & Details

With a weight of 4 kg, this clock carries the satisfying substance of properly cast brass. The slim vertical profile makes it ideal for installation on a narrow wall panel, between two windows, or above a console table where vertical emphasis is needed. The single hanging loop at the crown requires only a single wall hook for secure installation, and minimal assembly is needed to complete the fitting.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Produced in the workshops of Brass & Wood in Egypt, this cartel clock continues the tradition of the French royal clockmakers — interpreted through the skilled hands of Egyptian craftsmen who work in cast metal with genuine attention to period detail. Each piece is individually finished, which means minor surface variations are a hallmark of handwork, not a flaw. Customization in finish color is available, allowing this clock to be specified in gold, silver, or antique gold to suit any interior scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cartel clock?

A cartel clock is a wall-mounted clock in an ornate case, originating in 18th-century France. Unlike mantel clocks that sit on a surface, cartel clocks hang directly on the wall and are prized for their decorative cases as much as their function as timepieces.

What movement does this clock use?

This clock uses a quartz movement, offering accurate, battery-operated timekeeping that requires no winding. This combines the visual grandeur of a classical case with the reliability of modern movement.

Can this clock be customized?

Yes. This piece is available in multiple brass finish options — Gold, Silver, and Antique Gold — and customization requests can be discussed with the Brass & Wood team directly.