Jewel cabinet with watch 1760 - 1775

This exquisite jewel cabinet with watch was created by James Cox. The gilt bronze and painted enamel shimmer under the light, drawing your eye to its elaborate form and delicate construction. The cabinet’s symmetrical design is immediately striking, divided into distinct pictorial panels. Each panel features figures rendered with soft, diffused brushstrokes in the enamel paintings. The cabinet's form and ornamentation suggest rococo aesthetics; however, these elements are combined with an interest in the exotic, and the overall structure implies a cultural dialogue. The clock at the top is embraced by cherubic figures, a decorative touch that emphasizes the fusion of functionality and ornamentation. The latticework on the upper part of the cabinet invites light to enter and illuminate the interior, thus creating a display case. The cabinet’s combination of elegance and utility reflects the complex interplay of luxury, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange during the 18th century. Ultimately, its design serves not only as an aesthetic object but also as a symbol of global trade and the blending of artistic traditions.