Nécessaire

Maker:: Watchmaker: James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800)

Date:: ca. 1770–72

Culture:: British, London

Medium:: Case: moss agate, mounted in gold and set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds; silver; Dial: white enamel, with frame pavé-set with paste jewels

Dimensions:: Overall (confirmed): 3 3/8 × 3 9/16 × 2 1/8 in. (8.6 × 9 × 5.4 cm); Overall (.128b–e): 1 1/16 x 1 x 13/16 in. (2.7 x 2.5 x 2.1 cm); Overall (.128f): 15/16 x 7/8 x 13/16 in. (2.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 cm); Overall (.128g, h): 3/4 x 1 3/8 x 15/16 in. (1.9 x 3.5 x 2.4 cm); Overall (.128i): 1 1/8 x 2 7/8 x 7/8 in. (2.9 x 7.3 x 2.2 cm); Overall (.128j–m, each): 2 13/16 in. (7.1 cm); Overall (.128n): 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Overall (.128o): 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm)

Classification:: Metalwork-Gold and Platinum

Credit Line:: Gift of Florence Harris Van der Kemp, 1957

Accession Number:: 57.128a–o

Not on view

Containing dark inclusions that resemble moss or ferns, the milky white mineral decorating this sumptuous nécessaire is known as moss agate. It is found in multiple areas around the world, including Central Europe. In addition to various toilet implements, the case contains a watch and an automaton and is an excellent example of the complex and ambitious objects made in the workshop of James Cox.

Signature: (painted on watch, in script) Jas Cox/London

Inscription: SLOW FAST (inscribed on silver plaque)

[ A La Vieille Russie ] ; Rear Admiral Frederic R. Harris (until d. 1949) ; Florence van der Kemp (until 1957; to MMA)

Essays
James Cox (ca. 1723–1800): Goldsmith and Entrepreneur

Timelines
Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (42,433)

Artist / Maker / Culture

James Cox (5)

Object Type / Material

Geographic Location

United Kingdom (27,790)

Date / Era

A.D. 1600–1800 (74,669)

Pair-case automaton watch

Artist: James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800) Date: ca. 1770 Medium: Outer case: gold, partly enameled and set with gemstones and paste jewels; Inner case: gold; Dial: white enamel, with frame set with paste jewels; Movement: with diamond endstone Accession: 1977.436.4a, b On view in:Not on view

Jewel cabinet with watch

Artist: James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800) Date: probably ca. 1765–70 Medium: Case: agate, mounted in gilded copper and gilded brass and set with painted enamel on copper plaques, and fruitwood; Dial: white enamel Accession: 64.101.829 On view in:Not on view

Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock

Artist: James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800) Date: 1766 Medium: Case: gold with diamonds and paste jewels set in silver, pearls; Dial: while enamel; Movement: partly gilded brass and steel, wheel balance and cock of silver set with paste jewels Accession: 1982.60.137 On view in:Gallery 540

Miniature secretary incorporating a watch

Artist: James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800) Date: ca. 1766–72 Medium: Case: agate, with gold mounts, gilded brass, pearls, and paste jewels set in silver; Dial: white enamel; Movement: wheel balance and cock set with paste jewels Accession: 46.184a–c On view in:Not on view