Lot 245
  • 245

Gold, silver, enamel and diamond pendant-watch, Falize, retailed by Lemonnier, circa 1878

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

The pendant-brooch and case decorated with turquoise, red, green, yellow and blue cloisonné enamel in a foliate pattern, the brooch designed with a stylized winged creature terminating in the face of a crowned bearded male, curling around two rose-cut diamond flowers, the watch case decorated with a rose-cut diamond cipher, reversing to a matte white dial with black Arabic numerals and gold filigree hands, case and movement unsigned, dust cover engraved "Lemonnier, Ancien Joailler de la Couronne". 

Catalogue Note

The enamel work on this pendant-watch is typical of that produced by Maison Falize, not only in terms of the Renaissance-revival styling, but also in the use of red cabochonne enamel. Curiously, the watch dust cover is signed Lemonnier, who may have out-sourced the making of the jewel. According to Vever, the firm of Lemonnier collapsed after the 1870 war. Around 1878-1879, after working for colleagues on a freelance basis, Lemonnier ended his career. It is interesting to note that a watch of similar design by Emile Olive (who worked for Falize at this time) is illustrated in Falize, by Katherine Purcell, p. 68, pl. 92., and had apparently been exhibited at the Exposition des Arts du Metal in 1880.