18K Gold Chinese Market Enamel Pocket Watch

Inventory Number: PW1905006

Circa 1890, 32.6mm, 18K gold enamel open-face case with diamond-set, made for the Chinese market.  Case-back engraved in taille-douce (fine cut) with vermicelli motif and, in the center, a scene showing a peacock sitting on a corbelling in front of a lake landscape, the painting on enamel on gold attributable to Louis Rosselet (1833-1913), Geneva.

Functions： hours and minutes.

Glossary of Material Terms

Enamel

A vitreous substance whose main component is silica mixed with oxides (transition metals) that create a vast palette of colors. Enamel is used to decorate metal surfaces, gold, silver, and copper.

Painting on the Enamel

A gold or copper plate is coated with base enamel then fired. The colors are in powder form which the enamel-painter dilutes as and when they are needed using an oily or semi-oily essence, before applying them with a fine brush. Each color is dried then fired before the next is applied. A work can be fired numerous times.

The Chinese market pocket watch is the pocket watch that specially made for the Chinese market in the 18th to 19th centuries by European watchmakers. It was originally used as a tribute to the Qing Dynasty royal family and spread among the public gradually. Many cases were generally made of silver, brass, gilt brass or silver, and decorated with painted enamel with pearls or precious jewels.