AN ART DECO MOTHER-OF-PEARL, DIAMOND AND GEM-SET CHINOISERIE DESK CLOCK, BY LACLOCHE FRÈRES
Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more THE PROPERTY OF THE ROYAL FAMILY OF SAVOY
AN ART DECO MOTHER-OF-PEARL, DIAMOND AND GEM-SET CHINOISERIE DESK CLOCK, BY LACLOCHE FRÈRES

Details
AN ART DECO MOTHER-OF-PEARL, DIAMOND AND GEM-SET CHINOISERIE DESK CLOCK, BY LACLOCHE FRÈRES
The rectangular dial with mother-of-pearl chinoiserie floral and bird decoration enhanced by carved coral, applied rose-cut diamond Arabic chapters and pavé-set diamond hands, to the black laquer case, rose quartz surmount with carved agate crown and blue enamel floral panels, on carved rose quartz dogs (accidents) and blue enamel floral pilars, the black laquer base with six rose quartz feet, mechanical movement, circa 1925, height 15.5 cm
Signed Lacloche Frères, dial decoration with the signature of Vladimir Makovsky.
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

Though the art of inlay was primarily credited to Far Eastern artisans in the Art Deco period, one European craftsman, the Russian Vladimir Makovsky (1884-1966), is known to have practiced the technique with as much skill as those in Asia. Different from the lacque burgauté, his inlays consisted of tinted mother-of-pearl and a mixture of hardstones on a mother-of-pearl background. The present desk clock dial is an exquisite example. The movement of light is brought to life by the shimmering effect of the nacre. Although his work was often unsigned, his ornamented signature can here be seen to the far right.

More from Magnificent Jewels

View All
View All