An exquisite piece of art, the present jade table clock by Cartier is an exceptional work like no other, showcasing a beautifully carved landscape inspired by a small ink and brush painting Flying Spring on the Stone Wall, No. 2 of a series of 8 landscape paintings (山水小幅·其二·石壁飛泉) by the painter Dong Bang Da (董邦達). Dong Bang Da was Emperor Qianlong’s imperial court painter and his oeuvre was much treasured by Emperor Qianlong who frequently showed his appreciation by composing poems inspired by the subject of his paintings.
While in the painting, the poem by Emperor Qianlong was inscribed in calligraphy, here, the same imperial poem is carved on the jade panel:
阜平水簾洞，路遙未遊目。
石壁善爭長，雨後都懸瀑。
The poem can also be understood in English as the following:
Fu Ping Water Curtain Cave, the road is far away before you can see it.
The towering height of the stone wall, and waterfalls hanging after the rain.
Emperor Qianlong (1711 –1799)
One of the longest-reigning monarchs in history as well as one of the longest-lived, Qianlong is widely considered the most illustrious and successful emperors of the Qing Dynasty.
Qianlong ascended the throne in 1735. Not only a highly successful military leader, he was a patron of the arts. Under his reign, culture flowed throughout China. He not only sponsored the compilation of the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries, the largest collection ever made of Chinese history, but also funded programs for the benefit of art, crafts, literature and culture-building activities.
In 1796, Qianlong abdicated the throne after 60 years of ruling, out of respect towards his grandfather, the Kangxi Emperor. His reign is characterized by successful civilian governance and prosperous military achievements. Qianlong oversaw the High Qing era – the apex of the dynasty's power, influence, and prosperity. Throughout his 60 year rulership, the Chinese empire had the largest population and economy in the world.
Of all of China’s ruling Emperors, objects and artwork associated with Qianlong have without a doubt become one of the most highly collectible items amongst connoisseurs due to the Emperor’s association with prosperity, power and wisdom. An imperial seal – one among hundreds owned by Qianlong – has once been sold at auction for a staggering 22 million USD and is proof of the nation’s frenzy and respect for the long reigning Emperor.
Dong Bang Da (1699-1769)
Born in Fuyang in ZheJiang and a highly decorated court painter and calligrapher, Dong Bang Da 董邦達 was the imperial court painter during the Qing Dynasty. During his illustrious career, he eventually became the Minister of the Ministry of Rites and was given the posthumous title “Wen Ke”. He is perhaps best known for creating landscape scene paintings of nature, which were accompanied by imperial poems composed by Emperor Qianlong.
The poem engraved on the jade plaque praises the towering height of the stone wall of Fu Ping’s Water Curtain Cave, along with the waterfalls that hang after the rain. Fu Ping County is, still to this day, famous for its magnificent scenery and, in particular its waterfalls, one of which, the Water Curtain Cave, was captured by Dong Bang Da in his painting and, which in turn, inspired Emperor Qianlong to compose the accompanying poem contrasting the powerful magnificence of the stone cliff with the graceful movement of the waterfall after the rain.
The highly decorated jade panel serves as the backdrop, with clouds, mountains, water and a sampan carved into the hardstone. The carved blue sapphires and emeralds represents the leaves, and the rubies are part of the willow trees. Pearls are sprinkled throughout the landscape, conjuring flowers on the trees. Even a small pagoda is present, with the top made of yellow gold. On the upper left of the jade panel is an 8 day open face watch, powered by European Watch & Clock Co. Inc, that is encircled by dragons. The use of the five-clawed dragons are especially fitting here, as it accompanies a poem composed by Emperor Qianlong himself. In Chinese cultural imagery, the dragon is a symbol of the emperor, the almighty leader who mediated between Heaven and Earth and is often depicted rising from clouds and waves, symbolizing fortune and prosperity. The panel itself is intricately carved, showcasing Cartier’s unparalleled eye for detail and precision.
Even the wooden stand has been finished to perfection, with chimera figures holding up the jade plaque. The Chimera, a curious mix between a lion and dragon, is known as a powerful protector in Asian culture, shielding against evil influences and welcoming prosperity.
While Cartier created this timepiece in the 1920s, it was nonetheless inspired and enlightened by China’s illustrious imperial past. It is our understanding that the present jade plaque is an original Chinese table screen possibly from the 18th or 19th century, with the engravings done during this period. The carved gemstones were added in the art deco period by Cartier. In Chinese culture, table screens were placed on desks of officials and scholars as a means of contemplation, serving as sources of inspiration for reflection. One can only imagine the client who had commissioned this timepiece and his or her link to China’s imperial past.
Having first appeared on the market three decades ago, this historically significant clock will most likely remain hidden and cherished again for many years to come. Its public sale at auction offers a unique chance to acquire not only an intricate and beautiful piece of horological history, but also a historically significant piece imbued with the values of Chinese culture.
