Hand-painted micro-engraving

China’s golden age comes to life through a subtly coloured micro-relief

When we were commissioned to create a unique piece recalling the Song Dynasty, Romain revelled in this challenge that entailed recreating a micro-scale scene from a celebrated painting by Chinese artist Zhang Zeduan on the cover of our Logical One Secret.

To help carry off the feat and make ‘Logical One Empire’s Secret – Song Dynasty’ a reality, Romain called on the talents of Olivier Vaucher’s engraving and painting artisans.

Revered artwork

Revered artwork

The upper portion of this piece’s gold cover front features a subtly hand-painted micro-engraving of a scene adapted from “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” by artist Zhang Zeduan (1085–1145). Depicting 12th century daily life in China, this monochrome-ink-on-silk scroll is often referred to as “China’s Mona Lisa”.

Sumptuous mirror-polish

Sumptuous mirror-polish

An off-centre aperture allows for views of the white enamel hour-minute subdial and small seconds featuring flame-blued steel hands, while the bottom half of the cover front is sumptuously smooth and mirror-polished.

Majestic snapshot

Majestic snapshot

Adorning the full inside cover is another hand-painted micro-engraving, a majestic adaptation of another scene from Zhang Zeduan’s original masterpiece. This snapshot of everyday life during the Song Dynasty depicts crowds of people, market stalls, livestock, boats and nature on and next to a timber arch bridge.

Detailed micro-engraving

Dexterity and discretion

The detailed micro-engraving and nuanced hand-painting were carefully carried out by artisans at the Geneva atelier of Olivier Vaucher. The challenge required not only consummate skill and immense dexterity but also artistic discretion in terms of exactly how and where the engraving should be painted. The results speak for themselves.

Logical One Empire’s Secret

Logical One Empire’s Secret

Song Dynasty

Ref. MON000128

  • 18k red gold case with cover featuring micro-painted, hand-engraved adaptation of “Along the River During Qing Ming Festival” by Zhang Zeduan
  • Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator
  • Oven-fired white enamel dial
  • In-house constant-force movement
  • Manual winding via caseband pusher
  • 46-hour power reserve
Create your own unique piece, Romain Gauthier

Create your own unique piece

Collectors, collector groups and retailers are able to commission their own Exception unique piece featuring personalised design created by the artistic expression of their choice.

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