8,050 CHF
The Japanese Bird of Happiness A. Eschenauer, France, circa 1870. Very fine 18K gold and polychrome cloisonné enamel key-less watch. Four-body, back with flying crane in polychrome cloisonné enamel, trees with blue flowers behind, whole against blue enamel sky, reverse in cloisonné with yellow flowers and green leaves, both sides in Japanese style, polished band and bezel, gold hinged cuvette. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions with five-minute red Arabic markers, subsidiary sunk seconds. 40 mm (18’’’), frosted gilt, 20 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with Breguet balance spring, wolf-tooth winding wheels.Signed on the cuvette.Diam. 49 mm. Notes Watches from this period with cloisonné enamel are very rare; this one is in the Japanese style. In Japanese culture the crane is considered a symbol of happiness. Lots 261 and 262 are examples of the only self-winding pocket watch made by Gübelin; it was produced in only three examples. The decoration of the watch makes reference to astrological symbolism. The zodiacal projections on the back represent fate, and the representation of Saturn on the dial stand for strength, discipline, and the effects of time. E. Pfleghard of Zürich (c. 1900 – c. 1975) was one of the best enamel artists working for Gübelin. We are indebted to Monsieur Frank Lottenbach of Gübelin for providing us with details of the watch.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-04-24
