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Lot Essay
The 'écran' or screen clock was first introduced in 1923 and utilised rock crystal or, as in this instance, carved jade panels in conjunction with an ornate frame. Traditionally used in China as desk ornaments for scholars' tables, Cartier created a complimentary design around each screen they purchased, sometimes, where possible, hollowing out the interior to conceal the movement or if not it was placed behind the panel, or between two panels mounted back-to-back.
For examples of jade screen clocks:
J. Barracca, G. Negretti and F Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Wrist International, 1989, Milan, p. 174
H. Nadelhoffer, Cartier: Jewelers Extraordinary, Harry N. Abrams Publishers, 1984, New York, p. 52
J. Rudoe, Cartier 1900-1939, British Museum Press, 1997, Exhibition catalogue: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2 April - 3 August 1997 and British Museum, London, 3 October 1997 - 1 February 1998, p. 106-107
For examples of jade screen clocks:
J. Barracca, G. Negretti and F Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Wrist International, 1989, Milan, p. 174
H. Nadelhoffer, Cartier: Jewelers Extraordinary, Harry N. Abrams Publishers, 1984, New York, p. 52
J. Rudoe, Cartier 1900-1939, British Museum Press, 1997, Exhibition catalogue: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2 April - 3 August 1997 and British Museum, London, 3 October 1997 - 1 February 1998, p. 106-107