A French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mystery Clock, with Wood Base, Attributed to Jean Eugene Robert Houdin

(French, 1805-1871)

十九世紀法國青銅鎏金雄獅神秘鈡
having an enameled dial with Roman numerals raised on a winged beast form support over the putto and foliate decorated base, the whole set on a giltwood stand.

這件鐘錶的原型是法國魔術巨匠Jean Eugene Robert Houdin (胡丁，1805-1871)研製的著名的魅幻时钟。不同與傳統歐美鐘錶，胡丁大師將複雜的機芯完全隱藏到鈡座内，簡潔的白琺琅錶盤上伸如向日葵，帶翼雄獅象徵法蘭西，無一外露齒輪而運行如常，是謂神秘鈡。

Height overall 16 1/2 x width 7 1/2 x depth 4 1/4 in., 41.9 x 19.1 x 10.8 cm.

Property from the Halim Time & Glass Museum, Evanston, Illinois

This clock, made by Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin during the 19th century, is one of only a select few ever to be offered at auction in the world. The showmanship demonstrated by this clocks' cleverly concealed works illustrates the influence of their marker, Robert Houdin, in fields well beyond horology. Indeed, the renowned magician Harry Houdini, born Ehrich Weiss, was so inspired by the maker, that he adapted his surname with the intention of being known as 'Houdin-like.'

Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve 本拍品不設底價

At the time of writing, the movement is in working condition but has been restored. Original case in overall good and stable condition.

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Annie Wu

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Asian Art

[email protected]312.447.3260

Ms. Wu joined the firm in 2014, after working as a specialist in the Asian Works of Art Department of an East Coast auction house. She researches, appraises, and sells Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and South East Asian works of art, including jades, bronzes, ceramics, paintings, armor, and furniture. Throughout her career, Ms. Wu has achieved record prices for several prominent estates and collections, including the Estate of Frank G. Mertes, Sr., Winona, Minnesota; the Chinese Painting Collection of Ms. Yuan Jiaying and Mr. Li Guoyuan, Chicago; the Estate of Hisazo Nagatani, Chicago, and the Asian Art Collection deaccessioned from the Strong Museum of Play, Rochester, New York.

Flora Zhang

Specialist, Asian Works of Art

[email protected]312.447.3290

Property from the Halim Time & Glass Museum: Sold Without Reserve

A French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mystery Clock, with Wood Base, Attributed to Jean Eugene Robert Houdin

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