#5

French Musical Automaton "Bunny in Cabbage" by Roullet et Decamps
Live Auction

$2,100
sold
Description
8" (20 cm.) Hidden inside a paper-mache cabbage with silk leaves is a white fur-covered bunny with amber glass eyes,hinged mouth,on ears. Music and Movement. The bunny,hidden inside the cabbage with only his ears peeking out,suddenly pops from the cabbage,turning his head from side to side as looking out for danger. He suddenly opens his mouth,revealing the cabbage leaf he is chewing,and pops down inside the cabbage again,still safe. Music plays. Roullet et Decamps,circa 1910. A series of automata were made by the firm,featuring animals,children,chefs,and other amusing figures hidden inside flowers,pots and such. The mechanical arrangement remained constant,and only the vignette scene varied; the series was popular and remained in the company line for a number of years.