747,500 HKD
Frères Rochat, Genève, circa 1820. Magnificent 18 ct. gold and enamel pearl-set, singing bird box, with the matching key, in original Morocco fitted box. Two part, in blue translucent enamel over engineturning( front lateral panel slightly restored), the borders and corners with champleve scrolled and floral decoration, the enamelled lid painted with a fine bunch of polychrome flowers against a light blue ground within a split-pearl set frame. Hinged compartment for the key. Gold "grille" engraved with a bird an foliage. Multicoloured feathered bird with moving body, wings, tait, opening beak and turning head. Brass plates, fusee with chain, below and cams. Signed by the monogram " F.R." on the movement. In very good condition. Dim. 72 x 49 x 25 mm. Notes The Rochat Brothers Ami Napoleon and Louis, were trained by their father, Pierre Rochat, in the family workshop at a place called "Chez Meilland" au Brassus, Valley of the Lake of Joux, Switzerland. At the begining they worked for Jaquet-Droz and Leschot. After having lost their fortune in building speculations, they came to Geneva in 1815 and prospered again by making most curious marvels of small mechanics, which were highly appreciated by the connoisseurs and sold to the principal courts of Europe. Ami Napoleon Rochat, the eldest son, made a specially of the singing bird boxes which established the reputation of the name of Rochat all over the world. The work was absolutely perfect, expecially, the singing and
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-06-10
