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Incredibly Rare & Exquisite Singing Bird Box Inspired by Charles Bruguier

About the Item

Incredibly Rare & Exquisite Singing-Bird Box Inspired by Charles Bruguier Inlaid with Gold, Mother-of-Pearl and Enamel 為珍珠、珍珠母和琺瑯鑲嵌的歌鳥盒 For nearly two centuries, miniature singing bird boxes have captivated collectors around the world. With masterpieces being produced by French, German, and Swiss artisans, these delicate and intricately ornate boxes combine the simple eloquence of technological machinery with fantastic artistry. This particular offering is directly inspired by famed Swiss craftsman Charles Bruguier, produced in a rich and vibrant tortoiseshell fascia. The ornate flower petals and nature motif is offset by the vibrant colors and underlying miniaturized bird with an ivory beak and natural feathers. When wound, the front slide opens the bird lid and activates the movement and song of the finely crafted mechanical device. The detailing of the machinery is remarkable, while the pastoral scene adds a sense of old-world charm to any collection. These were highly sought-after pieces of art by nobles and royalty alike as the utility of automata was still in vogue during the 19th century. Charles Bruguier only crafted 27 singing bird boxes a year from his small studio. Although we cannot verify the origin of this particular piece, the matching artwork, and incredible technology speak to the master himself, or at least a loyal acolyte. The box measures 10.9 cm by 8 cm with a depth of 4 cm. Gold, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl and enamel, key-winding, horizontal singing-bird box. The rectangular cabinet case is made of tortoiseshell panels, with gold and silver pique work, and mother-of-pearl decoration inlaid on the top of the case representing an elaborate engraved floral motif. The oval cover of the bird enamelled with a scene depicting a Swiss landscape; on the right side of the cabinet, a pull tab to operate the bird mechanism. ------------------------------ Condition Report: In extremely good condition considering the rarity of the item. The decoration inlaid in gold and silver pique work of different colours and mother-of-pearl is quite exceptional on this kind of cabinet; which makes this richly decorated singing-bird box quite unusual and very attractive. When the mechanism of this singing-bird box is activated, the oval lid opens automatically and the bird appears, pivoting from side to side, flapping its wings, moving its tail, opening and closing its beak; when it stops singing, after his performance, it falls backwards, goes through the grille. The plate at the back of the cabinet consists of a hinged door that provides access to a compartment to house the winding key. There is only a tiny missing piece at the bottom of the box. The automata is working well. The movement will most likely be a Going Barrell Movement. The lid fails to close snuggly once wound and at the end of the song. Please contact us for further images and a full condition report. PLEASE NOTE DUE TO CITES REGULATIONS THIS MAY NOT BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE THE UK. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Provenance: From a private collection. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Literature: Cf.:Geoffrey T. Mayson, Mechanical Singing-Bird Tabatieres, 2001/ ISBN: 978-0709063032 Cf.:Sharon and Christian Baily, Flights of Fancy - Mechanical Singing Birds, 2001/ ISBN: 978-2940019281 ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Museums: The Met Museum Collection

Metal:

Gold,Silver

Weight:

400 g

Dimensions:

Height: 2 in (50.8 mm)Width: 3 in (76.2 mm)Depth: 2 in (50.8 mm)Diameter: 4 in (101.6 mm)Length: 4.5 in (114.3 mm)

Style:

Romantic

Place of Origin:

Switzerland

Period:

1870-1879

Date of Manufacture:

1870

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. In extremely good condition based on the rarity of the item. There is only a tiny missing piece at the bottom of the box. The lid fails to close snuggly once wound and at the song's end. Cites Regulations may apply to shipping in certain countries.

Seller Location:

London, GB

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU2800215746152

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