Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Oct 23, 2011

LOT 378

THE ATTRIBUTES OF LOVE Attributed to Piguet & Capt, Genève, circa 1805. Very fine and rare 18K gold and painted on enamel necessaire with a scent bottle fitted with concealed watch. In original fitted leather box, with old manuscript attesting to its provenance from the Chinese Emperor's Summer Palace.

HKD 200,000 - 300,000

USD 25,000 - 40,000 / EUR 20,000 - 30,000

Sold: HKD 1,220,000

C. Each side made up of three painted on enamel panels, the center ones depicting two putti, one holding a love torch, against a dark green background, the other side depicting a mother holding a baby, gold and azure enamel frames, the whole against black enamel, the top forming the cover decorated with courting doves, musical instruments and Cupid's attributes on the reverse, against black enamel, the lower spring-loaded panel, with courting doves and a fl ower basket opening to reveal the watch, edges with yellow enamel with translucent imperial blue enamel leaves and repeated engraved pattern. The hinged top reveals the necessaire compartment with gold scent vial with gold stopper, gold ear-spoon, pencil holder and watch key. The top decorated with bouquet of fl owers, azure stripe background. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2 o'clock. Gold "spear" hands. M. 20 mm. (9'''), hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with fl at balance spring, continental cock. Dim. 91 x 28 x 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-76-77

Very good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Restored hard enamel

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Restored soft enamel
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This inscription in Chinese characters was written on a piece of paper attached to a Louis XVI style gold and enamel etui from the Chinese Emperor's Summer Palace. The etui contains a watch on one end, and on the other a perfume fl ask and small utensils for a necessaire. The three holes in the bottom of the page are believed to have been the Chinese characters for "Summer Palace".