139 - JEAN-GEORGE RÉMOND & CO

JEAN-GEORGE RÉMOND & CO GOLD MUSICAL SNUFF BOX WITH LYRE, JEAN-GEORGE RÉMOND & CO GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, CIRCA 1804–1812. An exceptional rectangular gold musical snuff box created in Geneva by the renowned workshop Jean-George Rémond & Co during the golden age of Swiss jewellery and mechanical craftsmanship of the early nineteenth century. The case is made of gold and entirely covered with fine engine-turned guilloché, creating a lively, rhythmically vibrating surface characteristic of the finest Genevan luxury objects of the Late Neoclassical and Early Empire period. The borders are decorated with refined friezes of floral ornament filled with transparent deep blue enamel. The hinged lid is richly adorned with a central composition featuring a lyre, the classical symbol of harmony, art and poetry. The lyre is set with bright turquoise stones and framed by half-pearls forming elegant flowing lines that visually echo musical rhythm. The ornamental composition demonstrates remarkable balance and reflects the high artistic standards of Jean-George Rémond’s workshop. The reverse side is decorated with a guilloché field framed by a vegetal border enriched with blue enamel. The winding key aperture is discreetly positioned in the corner. The softly rounded sides are embellished with repeating ornamental motifs, reinforcing the coherence and completeness of the design. Inside is housed a high-quality musical mechanism, presumably produced by the masters Piguet & Meylan, capable of playing two musical airs selected via a side slide. The mechanism is finely executed and typical of the finest examples of Genevan micro-mechanics of the early nineteenth century. The original winding key is present. Of particular historical importance is the survival of the original design drawing of the box, a rare documentary testament to the collaboration between Genevan jewellers and mechanicians of the period. Marks: Maker’s mark of Jean-George Rémond & Co, Geneva, circa 1804–1812. Dimensions: 8.5 × 5.0 × 1.8 cm. Weight: 220 g. Condition: Very good. The case shows no deformation; the guilloché is crisp and even; enamel, turquoise stones and half-pearls are intact. The musical mechanism has undergone professional servicing and is fully functional. Provenance: Private European collection. Width: 8.5cm, Height: 5cm, Depth: 1.8cm, Weight: 0.220kg, Condition: Good, with traces of use, Material: Enamel, Gold, Pearl, Turquoise, ID: ID-ANTQ-11190