Rare French Automaton "Lady with Singing Birds" by Roullet & Decamps

Live Auction

25" (64 cm.) Standing upon a velvet-covered base is a bisque head lady with portrait-like features,deep blue glass paperweight inset eyes,dark eyeliner,long painted lashes,brush- stroked and multi-feathered brows,acquiline nose with slightly-upturned tip,shaded nostrils,closed mouth with outlined lips,pierced ears,bisque shoulder plate,carton torso and legs,padded wire armature upper arms,bisque forearms,silk costume of court lady,holding woven bsekt with feathered birds and flowers. Condition: roughness around shoulder plate neck and faint hairline at back shoulderplate (under lace collar),restoration to two thumbs and two fingers,bisque head excellent,mechanism and music function well. Marks; (artist checkmarks on head). Comments: Roullet et Decamps,circa 1885,with portrait bisque head by Jumeau,when wound,music plays,the lady turns her head side to side,then nods,moves her right hand to show the bird she is holding,while the bird in her left hand flutters a bit side to side. Value Points: rare luxury automaton with beautiful bisque face,splendid eyes,charming activity.