Watch with a Case Representing a Peony - Unknown Swiss Artisan, 19th CenturyGold, gilded silver, pai

Watch with a Case Representing a Peony - Unknown Swiss Artisan, 19th Century
Gold, gilded silver, painted and basse-taille enamel, pearl,  Diam: 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)

This charming watchcase takes the form of a peony. The gold case was first enameled in white, following this colored enamel was fused over the top to create a naturalistic effect of unfurling petals, which are outlined in pearls. To represent the green leaves at base of the flower, another enameling technique, called basse-taille, has been used. Here, the gold was engraved to imitate veins that show through the translucent green enamel which was applied over the top. [x]