The Facts
Aguttes will present a rare Cartier Billiken from 1910 at its sale on November 18, 2026. Carved in agate and set with diamond eyes, the piece reflects Cartier's early 20th-century whimsy and the Belle Époque taste for exotic curios. Acquired from Cartier in New York in 1978, it comes with an expertise letter from the IAJA dated July 4, 2024. A comparable model is illustrated in Olivier Bachet's 2019 book, "Cartier: Objets d'exception."
The Signal
The Billiken, a chubby, smiling figure inspired by a dream, gained popularity after 1908, notably with Queen Alexandra and Prince Youssoupov. Cartier's versions, often in hard stones with diamond eyes, were produced through the early 20th century. This example, with its stepped agate base, underscores Cartier's mastery of precious objects and the period's fascination with imagined Orient motifs. For collectors, it represents a niche intersection of Cartier's decorative arts and the Belle Époque's cultural currents, offering a tangible link to a storied past.
- People: Pierre Cartier, Florence Pretz, Olivier Bachet
- Auction Houses: Aguttes
- Locations: Paris
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