China 19th century - Lot 209

China 19th century Small Chinese console clock, probably exported to England, in the George III style, in exotic wood veneer, arched dial topped by a ring-shaped grip, hour-circle engraved with Roman numerals, steel hands, square double-barrel movement, verge escapement with pivoting suspension at the front and blade at the back. Time-setting by a spring-loaded push-button at the back, quarter chimes on two bells, on the front plate above the dial the character shou (longevity) surmounted by a stylized bat (homophone of happiness), flanked by two bats on either side on a gilded chased scroll background, Chinese manufacturer's pinyin signature on the back plate: Wong Yih Shing, Shanghai, the sides glazed, the rectangular base resting on four brass feet. Height: 25 cm - Width: 16 cm - Height: 12 cm The five bats, symbolizing the five good fortunes, Wu Fu, are often depicted around the shou character, together forming the rebus of wù fû pëng shou, good fortune and longevity.