115,000 CHF
“La Colère d'Achille” Attributed to James Cox, London, circa 1765. Magnificent and extremely rare 20K gold, silver, ivory, enamel, ruby and emeraldset fan with a watch and a compartment containing a small mirror and the winding key, made for the Ch'ien Lung Imperial family (1736-1795), of the Ch'ing Dynasty. In a Chinese fitted box. Notes Published in the Sandberg book, pages 378-379. The case of the watch, together with the movement and the richness of the object are consistent with the work of James Cox. Judging from its magnificence, this fan was probably ordered and given as a present by the Ambassador of England. It was customary at the time for European ambassadors to present sumptuous gifts to the Emperor or the Imperial family in pursuit of commercial privileges and favours. James Cox (circa 1723 - 1800) Was the son of Henry Cox, a tailor. He became Free in 1745. In June 1745 he set up shop in Racquet Court, where he remained until 1756. In 1756 Cox entered into partnership with Edward Grace, moving to larger premises in Shoe Lane. However, Cox & Grace declared bankruptcy in November 1758. During the 1760s and early 1770s Cox became famous for luxurious musical and automaton clocks and watches, made of precious metals and studded with precious stones, destined particularly for the court of the Chinese Emperor James Cox died in Watford in early 1800 and was buried in the family vault in London's Bunhill Fields on February 26 of that year. We are indebted to R
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2005-10-16
