Mauboussin

MAUBOUSSIN. AN EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPRESSIVE 18K GOLD, MOTHER-OF-PEARL, DIAMOND, EMERALD, RUBY AND SAPPHIRE-SET AUTOMATON CLOCK WITH MUSICAL BOX OF A HARLEQUIN PLAYING THE MANDOLIN

Movement: Quartz clock with mechanical automaton. Dial: Guilloche; with emerald, ruby and sapphire-set indexes. Dimensions: 32 x 22 x 25 cm. (W x L x H). With: 18k gold and diamond-set winding key and presentation box. Remark: Previously offered at Christie’s in 2010 for HKD 1,580,000. Note: The presentation box that accompanies this lot may not be the original “fitted box”. The present automaton is a tour-de-force by Mauboussin and Reuge, featuring a Harlequin made of 18k gold set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and mother‑of‑pearl, moving its hands, legs and head while playing a mandolin.The present lot is a 'tour-de-force' by the renowned French Jeweler Mauboussin and the music box specialist Reuge. Inspired by a clown musician from the Italian impromptu comedies from the 17th century, the present automaton is impressively incrusted with precious stones and gold. The Harlequin himself is made with 18k gold, and is set with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and various colours of sapphires. Mother-of-pearl is also set over the Harlequin's chest. The Harlequin moves his hands, legs and head in gestures of expression whilst playing the mandolin with melodies taken from the Opera by Jacques Offenbach.