鎏金銅鑲雜寶首飾盒座鐘 英國製, 約1790年

the rectangular casket with bell-shaped top surmounted by a white and red paste florette, the corners with blue glass and pearl vignettes, the front and sides further applied with paste-set florettes and gilt flowers, the reeded borders tied with flowers, the interior with 4-inch enamel dial with centre seconds and subsidiary dials for strike/silent, regulation and lunar date, the movement with fusee and chain for the going train, verge escapement with pierced balance cock, standing barrel for the strike sounding the hours and quarters on a replaced bell, the bezel set with pastes as a polychrome sunburst, a removeable lid to the lower compartment

Enamel dial is extensively restored but could be improved. Movement is clean and running at time of cataloguing but strike is rather sluggish and may require attention. Case ormolu in generally excellent condition, glass roundels in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.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."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

本品鑲玻璃料星形紋飾及鎏金花卉，色彩斑斕，並附帶秒針，與十八世紀後半葉由歐洲外銷至中國之多種鐘錶及日常用品風格一致。此作與清宮舊藏，北京故宮博物院一作例非常相似，該鐘同飾鎏金花卉及橢圓二色鑲料圓章，乃乾隆末年英國為清廷而製，刊於van Wely，《故宮珍寶》，編號14，頁162-167。

詹姆斯·克斯（1723－1800）乃十八世紀中葉倫敦最著名之首飾及金匠之一，其以金或鎏金金屬製作之手錶、自動人偶、玩具等與本品相類。出自克斯之手的傑作廣集於英國皇家收藏、紐約大都會博物館、北京故宮博物院等各大珍藏。克斯師承Humphrey Pugh，曾於其工作坊實習七年。Pugh名片雖以「玩具工匠」（toyman）自居，但其实為倫敦艦隊街（Fleet Street）之金工。「玩具工匠」一詞乃當時術語，泛指製作鑲嵌石料之金、銀、鎏金銅飾品之工匠。

1773年，克斯向英國議會委員會呈交供詞，聲稱以往七年共僱用八百至一千名工匠，可見其製品銷路並不止於英國本土。1760年代末至1770年代初，克斯經東印度公司將製品大批出口至印度。中國亦是其所製音樂動偶及鐘錶之重要市場。此類英國製鐘錶不乏見於清宮舊藏中，反映清宮皇室收藏取向，亦引證克斯自述其工坊之鼎盛境況。

Clare Le Corbeiller，《James Cox: A Biographical Review》，The Burlington Magazine》，卷112，編號807（1970年6月），頁31－358。
Roger Smith，《James Cox (c. 1723-1800): A Revised Biography》，《The Burlington Magazine》，卷143，編號1167（2000年6月），頁353－361。
Bob van Wely等，《Treasures from the Forbidden City》，烏得勒支 ，2010年，編號14，頁162－167。