24,000 CHF
Spring Bouquet Swiss, probably Fleurier. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1835. Very fine, 18K gold and painted on enamel, center-seconds, pocket watch with Jacot duplex escapement. Two-body, the bezels, pendant and bow decorated with turquoise, red, and blue champlevé enamel, the back panel painted with a fine composition of spring flowers on a turquoise ground. Hinged gilt-rimmed glazed cuvette fixed to the movement ring. White enamel with radial narrow Roman numerals, outer minutes/seconds divisions. Blued steel quatrefoil hands. Matte gilt "Chinese" caliber entirely foliate engraved, standing barrel, jeweled Jacot duplex escapement, three-arm bimetallic compensation balance with blued steel winged weights, flat balance spring and index regulator. Diam. 57 mm. Notes Flowers have great symbolic importance for the Chinese. By their form, aspect, and fragrance, they are considered to be highly spiritual, reflecting the profound nature of the Chinese people. Poems and proverbs show the cultural importance of flowers: “There is no flower without beauty in the world”; “A flower gives us a glimpse of paradise”. Certain flowers have a particular significance. The lotus symbolizes purity, the chrysanthemum perseverance, the plum blossom integrity, etc. The peony, with its generous forms, brilliant colors, and heady fragrance, became the most important flower for the Chinese. It is considered to symbolize wealth, nobility, power, and happiness. Known as the “queen of flowe
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2009-10-04
