556,250 CHF
Made by John Rich for the Chinese market, the enamel scene in the manner of Adam, circa 1805. "Le Temple du Magicien". Magnificent and highly important 18 ct. gold and enamel pearl and diamond-set, musical automaton snuff-box. Rectangular with cut-out corners and splitpearl set border, the sicle and base of blue translucent enamel over a trellis pattern ground, within white and black formai enamel borders, the corners in pierced and chased gold representations of the four seasons on the base. The cover panel with a finely painted enamel scene of Cleopatra dissolving the pearl. The lid disclose a varicoloured gold and rose-diamond set colonnade flanked by fountains with spinning glass rods, gold caryatid figures between the columns, the arched central doors opening to reveal the magician figure who taps his wand, causing the enamelled columns and roof ridge to change colour from red to blue and yellow with the star on the roof also revolving, the background enamelled with a Forest scelle. Gilt brass skeletonised, fusee with chain and fly regulator, pin-drum with two sets of four hammers, playing on four bells. Signed on the pin-drum cover. In very good condition. Dim. 85 x 55 x 30 mm. Notes This box was forming a pair with that of the Sandoz collection, illustrated by Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz in Les Automates, figures artificielles d'hommes et d'animaux., p. 256, colour plate XII, illustrated above. John Rich, London. Very fine maker of musical boxes, has been Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1995-04-22
