Lot 266
Lot 266
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

Price Realised USD 50,400
Estimate
USD 20,000 - USD 40,000
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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

Price Realised USD 50,400
Price Realised USD 50,400
Details
CIRCA: 1865
CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold, enamel, and pearl-set
CASE DIAMETER: 73 x 49 x 24 mm.
MOVEMENT: Key-winding
FUNCTIONS: Automaton bird with singing mechanism
BOX: Yes
WITH: Winding key and later presentation box

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.
Brought to you by
Remi GuilleminHead of Watches, Europe and Americas
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

Lot Essay

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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