Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

The Ritz-carlton Hotel, Jun 06, 2004

LOT 316

Japanese with Swiss movement, circa 1810. Very rare ivory netsuke carved as a human skull and fitted with concealed watch.

HKD 25,000 - 35,000

EUR 2,600 - 3,700 / USD 3,200 - 4,500

Sold: HKD 39,100

C. Two-body, hinged, very realistically carved in ivory, the top with a large serpent, the symbol of eternity, bronze pendant, loose ring. D. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions. Blued steel ?Breguet? hands.M. 22 mm, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock.Dim. 47 (with pendant) x 32 x 42 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3 - 20
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3 - 39 - 01

Notes

Netsuke are decorative fobs, used in traditional Japanese dress. Skull forms were popular as netsuke. In ?The Ivory Skull? Hanano Inagaki Sugimoto, tells how the hero discovered ?... carefully wrapped in cloth, a little ivory skull, exquisitely carved. ?Just the thing for my watch-chain!? he exclaimed?and fastened the little skull on his chain.?