$9,000
Sold
sold
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Description
14" (36 cm.) h. x 16" w. A very deep shadowbox with gold leaf wooden frame is designed as a heavily draped theatre with mirrored sides and gilt trim. Lying on the stage is a bisque-headed man with uniquely sculpted and painted features to represent a Chinese man, having narrowed eyes, furrowed brows, and long curling moustache, having wooden torso and legs, metal hands, and lavishly costumed in original blue and ivory silk troubadour costume with gilt paper trim. He holds a colorful striped ball in his hands and another dangles from the ceiling. When wound, two musical tunes play (partial label on the back), and he vigorously lifts his head up and down, twists the ball in his hands and, each time the ball descends toward his feet, he kicks it back up with both feet. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1875. Value Points: wonderfully preserved musical automaton whose realistic movements are enhanced twice-over by their reflection in the side mirrors.