The Magical Art of Cartier

Geneva, Nov 19, 1996

LOT 425

"Pendulette Chinoise à répétition minutes", 18K yellow gold, jadeite jade, onyx and enamel, eight day going, minute repeating small carriage dock with lacquered panels Paris for London, 1928

CHF 120,000 - 150,000

USD 100,000 - 120,000

Rectangular yellow gold mounted case, onyx base and top, jade and red enamel borders, dial and sides made from Chinese 19th century lacquered panels with inlaid mother-of-pearl marquetry, winding holes with shutters on the lacquered back panel, antique jade Fô-Dog push piece, inset key holder beneath the base; the dial with applied mother-of-pearl Roman numerals and rose-cut diamond-set Dragon hands. Gilt brass rectangular movement with going barrel, frosted and gilt platform with straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring. Minute repeating on gongs with push piece at the top. Measuring approx. 90 x 90 mm. Accompanied by original fitted leather travelling box. Cartier Certificate of Authenticity N° 2425.


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Notes

Cartier creations in the Chinese style, from about 1924, incorporated pieces of actual Chinese antiquity together with varions materials of Chinese origin such as lacquered panels inlaid with mother-of-pearl, which Louis collected systematically from the leading antique dealers of the time. The lacquers used by Cartier in the 1920's were mostly taken from Chinese bowls, tray or tables. These small panels fit well with the Art Deco theme. This dock is among Cartier's most attractive creations incorporating antique lacquered panels. It is one of only four docks of this type, which were produced between 1926 and 1930, undoubtedly the most prized of the firm's realisations. . See the original rendering from the Archives of Cartier on page 286. Literature: Vert' similar docks are illustrated in: Cartier Jewelers Extraordinanj, by 1-Tans Nadelhoffer, plate 36. Le Temps de Cartier, by 'acier Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, page 176. Made by Cartier, by Franco Cologni and Ettore Mocchetti, page 126., the original drawing reproduced page 151.