A gold and enamel snuff box for the Ottoman market, Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier, Geneva, 1816-1821

VAT reduced rate

Auction Closed

May 25, 03:15 PM GMT

Estimate

6,000 - 8,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Property of an Italian private collection

A gold and enamel snuff box for the Ottoman market, Moulinié, Bautte & Moynier, Geneva, 1816-1821

oval with scalloped edges, the lid and base centred with an oval enamel plaque representing a bright flower bouquet on a translucent pink ground over engine-turning, surrounded by lobed panels chased with scrollwork on a sablé ground, the sides chased with roses and other flowers, the interior of the lid set with an enamel plaque painted with roses, tulips, poppy and violets on a mint green ground within scalloped gold and pink enamel border, the edges of the rim also enamelled, maker's mark, Geneva post-1814 town mark

8.1cm., 3⅛in. wide

in good condition; the enamelled interior of the lid in crisp condition; some tiny losses to enamel along the edges to interior base as to be expected, might benefit from professional cleaning, overall weight 151.9 grams

"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."

'One went to Mr Bautte with awe, and of necessity, as one went to one’s bankers. (…) A not large room, with a single counter at the farther side. Nothing shown at the counter. Two confidential attendants behind it… You told what you wanted: it was necessary to know your mind, and to be sure you did want it; there was no showing of things for temptation at Bautte’s. You wanted a bracelet, a brooch, a watch – plain or enamelled. Choice of what was wanted was quietly given. There were no big stones, nor blinding galaxies of wealth. Entirely sound workmanship in the purest gold that could be worked; fine enamel for the most part, for colour, rather than jewels, which the experienced eye recognized when worn in Paris or London’. This review of a visit at the premises of the famous Genevois bijoutier horloger Jean-François Bautte (1772-1837) by the art critic John Ruskin is one of many contributing to Bautte’s excellent reputation (John Ruskin, 1838, quoted in: Haydn Williams, Enamels of the World, The Khalili Collections, London, 2009, p. 314. Throughout his prolific career, Bautte entered a number of different partnerships with several watchmakers, among them Jean-Gabriel Moynier (1772-1840) and Jacques-Dauphin Moulinié (1761-1838). The present lot, designed for the Ottoman market, dates to the later part of the fruitful period of the firm set up for ‘la commerce d’horlogerie at bijouterie’, which ended in 1821 with the retirement of Moulinié (Haydn Williams, op. cit, p. 312).