2013 was the 250th anniversary of the Stobwasser factory, one of the most important japanning factories of the day, founded by Johann Heinrich Stobwasser (1740-1829).  This anniversary was honored by the Roentgen-Museum in Neuwied with a special exhibition and an excellent catalogue:

Detlev Richter und Bernd Willscheid, Reinheit, Feuer & Glanz, Stobwasser und Roentgen – Kunsthandwerk von Weltrang.

This media event has received international attention and deepened the interest and understanding of the innovative japanning factory from Brunswick and Berlin, which has gained world fame with their treasures once again.

This very unusual clock, dating from around 1802, is designed to be used both during the day and at night. The vase contains an oil reserve and wick that can be lit at night which throws the time with an adjustable lens in the reverse on the wall. The final cover of the vase is removed to act as a chimney for the flame. The exhibition in the Roentgen-Museum did not showcase such a clock, because very few have survived. This night clock has now stepped into the light.