The Magical Art of Cartier
Geneva, Nov 19, 1996
LOT 393
"Pendule Egyptienne", 18K gold, mother-of-pearl and coral, diamond-set eight day going "Egyptian" table dock Paris, 1939 Mother-of-pearl marquetery overlaid case designed as a pylon, the tilted front panel fitted with an antique bronze figure of the Egyptian deity Maat set on a coral base enhanced by a wavy line of diamonds; the dial, below, with applied coral indexes, diamond-set bands centered with a coral bead and applied initiais SR on the back of the base. Circular, full plate brass frosted and gilt movement with going barrel, gilt platform with straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring. Measuring approx. 20 cm. high. Accompanied by fitted leather travelling box. Cartier Certificate of Authenticity N° 2393.
CHF 30,000 - 36,000
USD 25,000 - 30,000
Sold: CHF 39,100
Maat, the figure on the dock was the Egyptian goddess of Truth. She was very important and among the most influential members of the 40 divinities responsible for judging the dead. Anubis, another member of the council, would set the heart of the dead on one side of the scales, and Maat, by placing her ostrich feather on the other side, would decide the fate of the soul. Literature: A similar dock is illustrated in Le Temps de Cartier, by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti and Franco Nencini, page 187.
