Joseph-Simon Cousin and Joseph Coteau
An unusual and probably unique pink gold and diamond-set miniature calendar ring, with day, date, month, moonphases, lunar calendar and enamel dial, Circa 1780
Estimate
240,000 - 600,000 HKD
Lot Details
Description
Joseph-Simon Cousin and Joseph Coteau
An unusual and probably unique pink gold and diamond-set miniature calendar ring, with day, date, month, moonphases, lunar calendar and enamel dial, Circa 1780
Dial: white enamel, concentric date, day in French, month with number of days and zodiac symbols, central aperture for moonphases with lunar calendar indication, outer with painted polychrome enamel of flowers decorations to the border
Calibre: mechanical
Case: pink gold case, hinged bezel, band and shoulder set with rose-cut diamonds, on the right shoulder with a diamond-set concealed pusher to open the front cover
Size: 21 mm length x 19 mm width
Signed: dial
Accessories: unsigned shagreen fitted presentation box
The present ring demonstrates an ambition to push the limits of mechanical miniaturisation. Within a surface area of just 2 cm², it combines displays for the day, date, month, zodiac signs, moon phases and lunar calendar. All of these functions are arranged concentrically to maximise the available space. To preserve its remarkably small and thin proportions, the ring does not incorporate a timekeeping mechanism. Instead, a concealed pusher adjusts all of the indications simultaneously. The present object may therefore be understood as a rare finger-worn calendar device.
This remarkable miniature device was made during the 18th century by the Parisian clockmaker Joseph-Simon Cousin and the Geneva-born enameller Joseph Coteau. The two craftsmen usually collaborated on clocks, while other forms of work resulting from their partnership are exceedingly rare. The present ring could therefore possibly be the only known example of its kind. Concentric displays often increase the thickness of a movement; however, the mechanism of the present ring is not only exceptionally small but also measures only approximately 1 mm in thickness, demonstrating Cousin’s exceptional skill.
Coteau was born in Geneva and later moved to Paris. His enamel work is renowned for its exceptionally fine detail. Despite the dial’s diminutive size, all of the painted numerals remain clearly visible, while the border is decorated with delicately painted floral motifs. The dial is also made with a gold base.
The dial is inscribed “Invenit et Ft.”, meaning “invented and made.” The same motto is used today by F.P. Journe. This inscription has not been identified on other known works by Cousin and may provide further support for the possibility that no comparable example exists.
Joseph-Simon Cousin 及 Joseph Coteau
獨特及應為獨一無二，粉紅金鑲鑽石微型曆法裝置，備星期、日曆、月份、月相、農曆及琺瑯面盤，約1780年製
附帶未著名盒子