30" (76 cm.) Wax over paper mache headed Chinese man with leather-lidded brown glass eyes, highly characterized face, hinged jaw with, black moustache, carton torso and legs, metal upper arms, paper mache hands with elegantly posed fingers, wearing antique (frail) silk robe with maroon sash and sleeves, black Chinese cap, and is holding an opium pipe in his right hand, and a cane in his left hand. A system of rubber tubing in his torso and right arm allows an impression that the figure is smoking when the mechanism is activated. When wound, he turns his head in an elaborate and realistic manner, while blinking his eye lids, and opening an closing his mouth as though inhaling, his arms alternately lift the pipe and cane. Condition: finish original albeit worn, mechanism functions albeit rubber tubing frail and unpredictable. Comments: Vichy, circa 1880. Value Points: rare early automaton with original accessories and regal posture.