ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES-ABRAHAM BRUGUIER THE YOUNGER, VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET SINGING BIRD BOX IN THE STYLE OF JEAN-GEORGES RÉMOND, GENEVA, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKETImportant information about this lot
Price Realised USD 50,400
Estimate
USD 20,000 - USD 40,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
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ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES-ABRAHAM BRUGUIER THE YOUNGER, VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET SINGING BIRD BOX IN THE STYLE OF JEAN-GEORGES RÉMOND, GENEVA, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET
Gilt-finished movement, entirely engine-turned sunray guilloché translucent blue enamel decorated rectangular-shaped box with light blue champlevé enamel borders, rounded corners decorated with black champlevé enamel and chased gold flower cornucopiae, the top with pearl-set borders, the hinged oval lid with finely painted polychrome enamel bouquet of flowers, opening to reveal the singing bird and a gold engraved grille, activated on request, the bird will rotate on its axis, flap its wings and tail and turn its head, in time to a realistically imitated bird song, the bird also mounted with realistic multi-coloured feathers, when the song has finished the bird automatically retreats inside the box and the lid closes, hinged panel to the back revealing the key compartment, slide to front panel to activate the singing bird mechanism,73 mm. x 49 mm. x 24 mm.
This high-quality gold and enamel singing bird box is an exceptional example of the high quality of objects produced by the most eminent craftsmen in Geneva during the 19th century. Such singing bird boxes are extraordinary for the complexity of the mechanisms which drive the automaton bird’s action. The first such singing bird automatons appeared in Geneva in the late 18th century and were highly appreciated works of art, not only in Europe, but also by Chinese and Ottoman dignitaries.
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ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES-ABRAHAM BRUGUIER THE YOUNGER, VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET SINGING BIRD BOX IN THE STYLE OF JEAN-GEORGES RÉMOND, GENEVA, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKETEstimate: USD 20,000 - 40,000
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Movement: The movement winds but the bird does not properly function. A service is recommended. Case: Two of the panels have been restored and one is cracked with some absent material. Overall Condition: Good
Please note that this lot is made from or contains material that is either protected or regulated, which could result in export and/or import restrictions. For international shipments, this lot will incur a 2-4 week delay in shipment arrival. Please check the relevant customs laws before bidding on this and see Section G5 of our Conditions of Sale for further information.
1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor.
2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the terms and conditions.
We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.
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Lot 266Sale 23099
ATTRIBUTED TO CHARLES-ABRAHAM BRUGUIER THE YOUNGER, VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD, ENAMEL AND PEARL-SET SINGING BIRD BOX IN THE STYLE OF JEAN-GEORGES RÉMOND, GENEVA, MADE FOR THE CHINESE MARKETEstimate: USD 20,000 - 40,000
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