Lot 30
  • 30

Rare boîte à automate en or et émail, Genève, vers 1800

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 EUR
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Description

  • divided into three compartments, their lids painted en plein, the left with an automaton in three-colour golds and enamel of Cupid sharpening his amorous arrow, the right with a watch, the base with a basket of flowers in bold taille d'épargne enamels, apparently unmarked, with 2 later keys

  • Long. 7,7 cm
  • 3in wide
divisée en trois compartiments, les couvercles ornés de médaillons peints en plein, celui de gauche contenant un automate en or de trois tons et émail: Cupidon aiguisant sa flèche, celui de droite une montre, le dessous orné d'un panier de fleurs émaillé en taille d'épargne, apparemment non poinçonné, avec 2 clés

Provenance

The Palace Collections of Egypt, 'Magnificent Works of Art in Precious Materials', sale, Sotheby's, Koubbeh Palace, Cairo, 12 March 1954, lot 533 (described as of "brilliant quality" and realised £250);
Anonymous vendor, Christie's Geneva, 19 November 1991, lot 182

Condition

A most unusual and interesting piece with a grand provenance. Neither movement is currently working (Sotheby's does not guarantee the movements). Blue translucent enamel on side panels has been restored. There is a small chip (to gold ground approx. 3mm) on back panel. Pale blue enamel above side urns on front by openings of side comparments is a little worn away. Back hinges have been repaired.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Pour un modèle presque identique conservé au musée de l'Ermitage à saint-Petersbourg, voir Larissa Yakovleva, Swiss Watches and Snuff Boxes, (1997, p. 40). Les articles créés à Londres ou Genève pour être exportés en Chine formaient souvent une paire, les Chinois considérant le chiffre deux comme un chiffre de la chance, selon le vieux principe que "toute bonne chose ne vient jamais seule". Il est rare de trouver une boîte à automate d'une si petite taille, ce qui signifie que le mécanisme a dû être compressé dans un espace des plus restreints.

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