#108

French Musical Automaton "The Chinese Tea Drinker" by Vichy in Silk Costume
Live Auction

$13,500
sold
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Description
28" (71 cm.) (excluding hat and umbrella). A Chinese man is standing upon a wooden platform, he having amber complexion paper mache head, brown glass eyes, leather eyelids with mohair lashes, black inserted brows and moustache, hinged jaw with row of teeth, black human hair under silk cap, carton torso and posed legs, wire upper arms, paper mache hands with painted white nails, wearing blue and ivory silk robe with embroidered silk panels, holding a tea cup in his right hand, and a parasol in his left. When wound, music plays and numerous activities commence: he turns his head side to side, twirls his umbrella, and brings the teacup to his mouth, appearing to sip. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function wonderfully excepting eyelids need adjustment, professional repainting of face and hands. Comments: Gustav Vichy, circa 1890. Value Points: rare luxury automaton with most entertaining and well-synchronized movements, outstanding silk costume.