Contemporary, Limited Edition and Col...

New York, Grand Havana Room, Dec 01, 1999

LOT 296

Gerald GentaL'Apprenti Sorcier Automaton; Only One Piece Produced, by Special Request, 1990's.Depicting the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" scene from the Walt Disney movie Fantasia, the figures of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer and his broomstick apprentice stand upon a platform of mother-of-pearl marquetry, framed in 18K yellow gold and supported by an octagonal base constructed of lapis lazuli decorated with moon and star appliqués of 18K yellow gold, pave-set with round, brilliant-cut diamonds. The base itself is supported by another frame of 18K yellow gold, sitting on four bun feet. Centralllocated at the back of the platform is an alarm clock with a Swiss made, quartz movement having a mother-of-pearl dial that is octagonal with gold Roman numerals and framed in 18K yellow gold of a scalloped design topped with 2 crowns, each set with a round, cabochon-cut lapis lazuli; the clock sits on its own base of rose quartz, decorated top and bottom with scrolls of 18K yellow gold, decorated with a bezel-set round, brilliant-cut diamond and a bezel-set, round, cabochon-cut lapis lazuli. Tthe left of the clock stands the figure of Mickey Mouse in 18K yellow gold with ears, eyes and nose of black and white enamel and a tongue of coral. Atop his head sits a sorcerer's hat of blue enamel decorated with moon and star appliqués and a brim of pave-set round, faceted yellow sapphires having a total weight of 12.60 cts.; his robe is pave-set with round, faceted rubies having a total weight of 93.31 cts. and decorated at the back with a panel of Florentine finished, 18K yellow gold accened with several, bead-set, round, brilliant-cut diamonds. To the right of the clock, is the broomstick apprentice holding two buckets full of water, which are constructed of 18K yellow and 18K oxidized, white gold with rock crystal carved to represent the spilling water. The head of the broom is composed of 18K yellow gold "foxtail" chain with a broomstick of 18K yellow gold in a matte finish. When the diamond pave buttons at the side of the base are pushed, Mickey begins waving his wand and taping his foot; seconds later, the broomstick apprentice begins to rock back and forth as the music of Paul Dukas' L'Apprenti Sorcier begins to play. The piece measures approx. 11 inches (28 cm)across and 9 (23 cm) inches high and is powered by an electrical transformer.