Coral and Jade Koi Fish Mystery Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1915
This French mystery clock is dated to approximately 1915. The object features a decorative base carved from jade in a shape described as resembling a traditional Chinese censer, or "koro."
The clock incorporates natural materials including a prominent piece of red coral and a carved carnelian koi fish, accompanied by a lotus flower finished with blue lacquer. Timekeeping is managed by a movement mechanism that rotates the "pond" element, causing the koi fish to move along the perimeter of the white enamel dial. The time is read by observing the position of the fish relative to the gold-colored Arabic numerals positioned on the rim of the pond.
The internal movement mechanism bears the signature "Lutz, France." The overall design reflects themes associated with the Art Deco era and elements of chinoiserie.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Mystery clock
- Dating
- circa 1915
- Materials
- Jade, coral, carnelian, white enamel, blue lacquer
- Dimensions
- 6 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches
- Maker mark
- Lutz, France
- Place recorded
- France
- Country of origin
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Lutz
- Time indication method
- Movement rotation of the pond
Design
- Visible features
- • The jade body features carved scrollwork patterns. • The white enamel dial has gold Arabic numerals separated by floral motifs. • The clock sits on a separate black rectangular stand.
- Design and Materials
- The clock is designed with an emphasis on decorative natural materials, featuring a base carved from jade that evokes the form of a Chinese censer. The central decorative element is a branch of red coral extending from the center of the clock face. A carnelian koi fish serves as the primary indicator for the time, positioned within the clock's pond. The pond includes a lotus flower decoration finished in blue lacquer. The composition utilizes a white enamel dial featuring gold-colored Arabic numerals arranged along the edge of the pond. The source notes that the design draws inspiration from Eastern cultures and nature, which were popular motifs during the Art Deco period. The aesthetic aligns with the chinoiserie style.
- Mechanism and Function
- The object operates as a mystery clock, where the mechanism is responsible for rotating the central pond structure. As the pond rotates, the carnelian koi fish is moved along the path of the dial. The current time is determined by the position of the fish relative to the static or rotating Arabic numerals placed around the perimeter of the pond. The movement mechanism is identified by an inscription reading "Lutz, France."
- Provenance and Context
- The source discusses the object in the context of other mystery clocks created during the Art Deco era. It mentions that a similar mystery clock of Chinese-influenced design, produced by Cartier using coral and jade, is held in the Cartier collection and was exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris. The source clarifies that this comparison is intended for descriptive reference and does not imply an attribution of the current clock to Cartier. The record serves as an educational summary of the object's features.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source cautions that a comparison to similar Cartier pieces does not equate to an attribution of this specific clock to Cartier.
- Research required: The source states information regarding the object is provided for reference and is not an independent verification of authenticity or functionality.