A tiny automaton bird comes to life in this exquisite Continental singing bird box. Also known as a tabatière, this rare objet d'art contains a mechanism that, with the push of a lever, opens to reveal a brightly feathered automaton bird that flaps its wings and moves its beak as it sings a charming tune. The diminutive case is beautifully gilded, engraved and enameled in a verdant green hue. Bird boxes in such excellent condition as this are a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship, and highly sought by collectors.
