$30,000
Sold
sold
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Description
29" (74 cm.) Arranged upon an oval wooden base is a garden-like setting,with large paper-mache tree having numerous branches and leaves,in which are hidden seven feathered birds; a rocky mound at the side which encloses a clock,a waterfall,and a seated paper-mache monkey in silk court costume,with violin. When wound,music plays,and along with movement of the waterfall,the monkey turns his head,nods,and plays the violin,one bird flits about in rapid twirls and bobs,and two other birds bob up and down,as though in time to the music. A glass dome with velvet cord edging protects the scene. Condition: generally excellent,some fraility to silk costume. Comments: Henri Phalibois,Paris,circa 1875. Value Points: a luxury and elaborate parlor vignette automaton with wonderful themes and movements.