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Lot Essay
The present watch is a superb example of a so-called Indian market watch most likely made by special order and combining a minute repeating movement of comparatively small size with a highly unusual case designed to resemble a basket with a coiled cobra snake on top, paying tribute to India's long standing tradition of snake charming, all of exceptional quality.
Snake charming is believed to originate in India. Hinduism has long held serpents sacred; the Nagas relate to the reptiles. In pictures, the cobra sits poised ready to protect many of the gods. By inference, traditionally Indians tend to consider snake charmers holy men influenced by the gods. The earliest snake charmers were likely traditional healers by trade. As part of their training, they learned to treat snake bites. Many also learned proper snake handling techniques, and people called on them to remove serpents from their homes.
Snake charmers typically walk the streets holding their serpents in baskets. Once the performer finds a satisfactory location to set up, he sits cross-legged on the ground in front of the closed basket. He removes the lid and plays a flute-like instrument made from a gourd, known as a been or pungi. As if drawn by the tune, the snake eventually emerges from the container; if a cobra, it may even extend its hood.
Cooke & Kelvey was founded in Calcutta in 1857 and specialized in the retail of fine timepieces for the Indian Market, generally fitted with Swiss movements, often supplied by eminent makers such as Audemars Piguet.
Snake charming is believed to originate in India. Hinduism has long held serpents sacred; the Nagas relate to the reptiles. In pictures, the cobra sits poised ready to protect many of the gods. By inference, traditionally Indians tend to consider snake charmers holy men influenced by the gods. The earliest snake charmers were likely traditional healers by trade. As part of their training, they learned to treat snake bites. Many also learned proper snake handling techniques, and people called on them to remove serpents from their homes.
Snake charmers typically walk the streets holding their serpents in baskets. Once the performer finds a satisfactory location to set up, he sits cross-legged on the ground in front of the closed basket. He removes the lid and plays a flute-like instrument made from a gourd, known as a been or pungi. As if drawn by the tune, the snake eventually emerges from the container; if a cobra, it may even extend its hood.
Cooke & Kelvey was founded in Calcutta in 1857 and specialized in the retail of fine timepieces for the Indian Market, generally fitted with Swiss movements, often supplied by eminent makers such as Audemars Piguet.