The Magical Art of Cartier
Geneva, Nov 19, 1996
LOT 440
"Le Temple Chinois au Dragon ",18K yellow gold and enamel, jade, malachite, corcico, rock crystal, jasper, obsidian, sodalite, moss-agate, coral mother-of-pearl, diamond and emerald electric powered Mystery dock with citrine dial. Paris 1989
CHF 800,000 - 900,000
USD 650,000 - 750,000
Designed as a pagoda with an aventurine roof, carved in a fluted pattern with a coral ridge and circular diamond-set "ba-ga"; Oriental motifs, the columns set with jasper and gold, the side, panels with naturalistic scenes engraved on gold against a black enamel ground. The platform of the base is set with sodalite to simulate water and moss-agate for the ground, mounted with a wind-swept tree in yellow gold and jasper with faceted emerald leaves, a clump of rock crystal at its base with a gold and diamond "ba-ga" motif fence with diamond-set finials. A 19th century malachite dragon posed on a block of corcico to the right of the temple, with a similar surrounding fence. The sides of the base decorated with mother-of-pearl inlaid in gold, with a border of coral beads, supported by four chased dragons. The dial: Centrally set with a massive faceted citrine of 2700 carats, with gold bezel and 12 diamond-set hour marks, and supported on a spray of gold lotus leaves. Diamond-set chinoiserie pattern hands. Technical information: Quartz dock movement controlled with a battery life of approximately five years. Tempt automa ton controlled by two micromotors powered at 12 volts. Automation functions: At rest, the temple door is closed. A slight pressure on the dragon illuminates a light inside and the door slides open. As a second operation, the dock (symbolizing the temple treasure), advances to a position outside the temple. A second touch of the dragon results in the dock retreating, the doors closing and the light switching off. Measuring approx. 38 x 42 x 27.5 cm. Cartier Certificate of Authenticity N° 2440.
