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Van Cleef & Arpels has launched a unique Brassée de Lavande Automaton, created over many years in the brand’s mechanical workshop in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. Inspired by nature, it captures the image of lavender in full bloom in a breathable and dynamic work of art.
The entire piece is approximately 27 cm high and 21.5 cm wide, constructed from platinum, yellow gold, rose gold, amethyst, diamonds, chlorite, white turquoise, lacquer, ebony, and steel. When still, layers of lavender spikes intertwine and stack, resembling a lush plant dome. When the mechanical mechanism is activated, the corolla slowly unfolds as if gently caressed by a breeze, and a butterfly emerges from the center, its wings crafted using the plique-à-jour technique. Light passing through them shines through like stained glass, the contrast of orange and black highlighting the delicate brilliance of the diamonds and amethyst. As music plays, the butterfly flutters and eventually returns to the flower's heart, the petals closing once more—a brief but captivating performance.
The base of the piece comprises two layers of chlorite and a gray-veined white turquoise bowl, meticulously cut and polished by experts to showcase the unique texture of the minerals. The branches and leaves are hand-shaped in rose gold, then spray-painted, polished layer by layer, and finally covered with a transparent glaze to enhance their vibrancy. The rotating ring at the bottom indicates the time, adorned with gold and diamonds and inlaid with gold beads, making watching the flow of time a delicate sensory experience. The piece is also equipped with two independent movements: one controls the movement of the bouquet and butterflies, while the other powers the 12-hour timekeeping function and boasts an eight-day power reserve.
Van Cleef & Arpels has launched a new, unique Brassée de Lavande Automaton, crafted over several years in the brand's mechanical workshop in Sainte-Croix, Switzerland. Inspired by nature, it captures the essence of blooming lavender in a breathable and dynamic work of art. The piece measures approximately 27 cm high and 21.5 cm wide, constructed from white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, amethyst, diamonds, chlorite, turquoise, lacquer, ebony, and steel. When still, layers of lavender spikes intertwine and stack, resembling a lush plant dome. When the mechanical mechanism is activated, the corolla unfolds as if gently caressed by a breeze, revealing a butterfly emerging from its center. The wings, crafted using the plique-à-jour technique, allow light to filter through like stained glass, the contrast of orange and black highlighting the delicate brilliance of the diamonds and amethyst. As the music begins, butterflies flutter and dance, eventually returning to the heart of the flower to hide, the petals closing once more, like a brief but enchanting performance. The base of the piece consists of two layers of turquoise and a gray-veined white turquoise bowl, meticulously cut and polished by experts to showcase the unique texture of the minerals. The branches and leaves are hand-shaped in rose gold, then spray-painted, polished layer by layer, and finally covered with a transparent glaze to enhance the vibrancy of the colors. The rotating ring at the bottom indicates the time, adorned with gold and diamonds and inlaid with gold beads, making watching the flow of time a delicate sensory experience. The piece is also equipped with two independent movements: one controls the movement of the bouquet and butterflies, and the other drives the 12-hour timekeeping function, with an eight-day power reserve. …
