Silver Musical Bird Box
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With the push of a switch, a multicolored automaton bird emerges from this fine singing bird box
Key Features
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- This magnificent sterling silver singing bird box exhibits artistic beauty and mechanical skill
- Exquisite Rococo design incorporating bold scrollwork, birds, masks and cupids adorns the entire box
- Stamped "STERLING" with maker's mark on underside
- Circa 1890
- 4 ¼" wide x 3" deep x 2 ¾" high
Item Details
- Width:
4 1/4 Inches - Height:
2 3/4 Inches - Depth:
3 Inches - Period:
Other - Origin:
Other
This exceptional and rare silver musical bird box is magnificent in both artistry and craftsmanship. Standing on elegant scrolled feet, the bird box is adorned with a bold Rococo motif, the repoussé and engraved design depicting flourishing scrollwork, masks, birds and classical figures. The star of this beautiful piece is a multicolored singing bird. By activating a bird-shaped slider, the mechanism is triggered, and the hinged lid opens to reveal the feathered automaton bird, which springs from beneath an intricately pierced grill to chirp a lovely tune while moving his beak and flapping his wings. When the birdsong is finished, the tiny creature simply slips back into the box and the lid automatically closes behind it.
Delightful bird boxes, or tabatières, such as this were originally collected by royalty and wealthy noblemen in the 18th century, and are today highly sought after by collectors. A painstaking and costly process is required to create just one of these elaborately ornamented treasures, and each piece is wonderfully unique.
Delightful bird boxes, or tabatières, such as this were originally collected by royalty and wealthy noblemen in the 18th century, and are today highly sought after by collectors. A painstaking and costly process is required to create just one of these elaborately ornamented treasures, and each piece is wonderfully unique.
