Bautte & Moynier Vinaigrette Music Box in 18ct Yellow Gold and Turquoise

A superb Swiss 18ct yellow gold, cabochon turquoise and enamel vinaigrette music box by Bautte & Moynier from the 1830s. Showcasing intricate chased and embossed gold decoration, the lid is alive with blooming roses and leaf forms. Rich blue cabochon turquoise gemstones have been expertly used to add colour and truly catch the eye. The sides of the lid feature delicate scrolling leaf forms, which are contrasted by rich engine turned patterns. When opened, a delicate pierced and engraved grill can be seen, which lifts up to reveal the original wool sponge that would have been soaked in an aromatic liquid. The underside of the lid features a beautiful enamelled Swiss lake scene, which depicts an elegant couple enjoying a stroll, whilst taking in the dramatic snow-capped mountain view. The underside of the case is richly engine turned and features a keyhole. When wound, a delicate tune is played which, when combined with the delicate scent and enamelled scene, would have been the perfect distraction from the unsavoury smells and sights of the early 19th century. Switzerland has a rich history of producing incredible timepieces and music boxes, which were sought after by the aristocracy and wealthy élite. The Genevan John-Francois Bautte (1772-1837) was renowned for producing watches and jewellery, and went into partnership with J. G. Moynier in 1831. The firm of Bautte & Moynier are regarded as producing some of the finest examples of vinaigrettes, with examples appearing in museum collections across the globe. A number of examples appear in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, which was opened by Philippe Stern in 2001 as a “temple to watchmaking”.