Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 08, 2020

LOT 17

JEWELLERY BOX, GOLD AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL

CHF 10,000 - 15,000

HKD 80,000 - 120,000 / USD 10,000 - 15,000

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 9,375

Exceptionally fine and rare, Rococo jewellery box with Chinese-style décor; yellow gold and mother-of-pearl.


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good

Brand Unsigned, probably Germany

Year Circa 1750-1760

Material 18K yellow gold and enamel

Dimensions 57 x 133 x 99 mm

Notes

Yellow gold and mother-of-pearl, cartouche-shaped, “de forme chantournée”, jewellery box with hinged lid and removable tray.
Cabinet entirely engraved in taille-douce (fine-cut) with floral motifs and shells, with, on the lid, a landscape; the entire object is adorned with gold applied motifs (inlaid and riveted), with a “Chinoiserie”, Chinese-style decoration, on the lid depicting a tea ceremony.
“Chinoiserie” and “décor au chinois”, Chinese-style décor
It’s the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theatre, and music. The aesthetic of “chinoiserie” has been expressed in different ways depending on the region. Its acknowledgement derives from the current of Orientalism, which studied Far East cultures from a historical, philological, anthropological, philosophical and religious point of view. First appearing in the 17th century, this trend was popularized in the 18th century due to the rise in trade with China and East Asia.
As a style, “chinoiserie” is related to the Rococo style. Both styles are characterized by exuberant decoration, asymmetry, a focus on materials, and stylized nature and subject matter that focuses on leisure and pleasure. “Chinoiserie” focuses on subjects that were thought by colonial-era Europeans to be typical of Chinese culture.