A silver Art Nouveau clock, Lorie, workmaster: Yegor Cheryatov, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908

of rounded triangular form on a flared base, the circular stippled face flanked on the left by an owl against a black enamel ground, to the right by a cockerel against a blue and shaded orange enamel ground, bead borders, the collar chased with a representation of Chronos, the God of Time, above a raised oak leaf border, the centre of the base with stylised foliate initials possibly CLD, 84 standard, with original key

In apparent very good condition. The clock mechanism could be restored to working order.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A new style in applied arts and architecture that appeared in Europe after 1890 became internationally known under the French term Art Nouveau. The practitioners of Art Nouveau wished to distance themselves from existing styles. Their major innovation was the reinstatement of the worth of the craftsman which resulted in an organic style that became the most influential movement in decorative arts at the turn of the century. Fabergé was a leading force in introducing Art Nouveau to Russia, which became heavily involved in this movement and developed its unique variant of the style, known as Stil' Modern.

Art Nouveau was a rather short-lived fashion in St. Petersburg but rich Moscow merchants continued to demand silver objects in this style. Established in 1871, the famous Lorie firm was closely connected with Fabergé's Moscow branch, as the stores of both companies were situated in the same building of Merchants society on Kuznetsky Bridge. Lorie's leading workmasters, including Yegor Cheryatov specialised in production of fine silver, gold and jewellery pieces which were characterised by their elegant designs and superb craftsmanship.