#153

Large French Musical Automaton "Flower Seller with Surprises: by Gustav Vichy
Live Auction

$27,000
sold
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Description
25" (64 cm.) Portraying an adult lady,posed upon a golden-brown velvet-covered wooden platform is a Papier-mache lady with rich black complexion,brown glass eyes,articulated eyelids,slightly parted lips with double row of teeth,black mohair wig,carton torso and legs,and Papier-mache hands; she is posed slightly-leaning forward as though offering the vibrant flowers presented in her decorated market tray. Yet when the mechanism is wound and activated,the surprise is revealed. Alternately,each of the three flowers lifts from its hinged back to display a treasure beneath: in one is a Papier-mache monkey who turns his head side to side,blinks his eyes,and "chatters" by opening and closing his mouth; in the second in a little bisque girl who twirls around dancing; and in the third is a white mouse who circles and circles,chasing his tail. Meanwhile the flower seller,herself,adorned in a richly costume of silks and velvets (despite having bare feet!) nods her head and blinks her eyes in a realistic manner,and two different tunes play. There are 11 different movements. Condition: generally excellent,functions well. Comments: Gustav Vichy,circa 1885,he created several different variation of the "surprise" theme,this being one of the most lavish. Value Points: rare automaton with wonderful movements,surprises and music,with exceptional quality including superbly-modeled womanÞs face,intricate detail of little surprises.