Jean & Pierre Bellin, Paris "The Magical Musical Automaton Toy Cabinet"

• the outer case: large 18k yellow gold case set with mother-of-pearl decoration throughout, the two front doors depicting a musical theme containing a lute, french horn, harp and drum, decorated with multi-colored enamel in high relief, over a mother-of-pearl musical score with applied gold clefs and notes, embellished with carved green and blue chalcedony foliage and rose quartz flowers, accentuated by gold and diamond and sapphire berries, below with an enamel drum and sticks with carved chalcedony decoration, the arched top with an abundance of carved chalcedony, gold and diamond flowers and berries, green curved partial dome with textured gold sculptured flower in high relief, all borders set with brilliant-cut diamonds, each side panel set with carved chalcedony and rose quartz flowers and foliage, centered by a gold and enamel stringed instrument, the back of mother-of-pearl and accented by two round sapphires, two rubies and three emeralds, near the base a floral-shaped aperture to insert the electrical connection to work the musical mechanism • the inside:   the hinged doors opening to reveal a multitude of iconic characters and toys, in the center is a yellow gold, enamel and diamond set drum with a moving top surmounted by an additional revolving sculpture of Alice in Wonderland, her dress finely enameled and set with diamonds, also revolving on a different axis is a gold sculpture of the White Rabbit with rubies set throughout his overcoat, to the base of the drum is a revolving train moving on its tracks and pulling three carriages each containing either ruby, sapphire or emerald stones, the whole scene resting on two translucent enamel books, one entitled Alice in Wonderland, the other Peter Pan, above the scene is a gold and multi-gem-set pierced gold sun hat, to one side in the top compartment is a gold, enamel sculptured model of Pinocchio, the middle compartment holds a gold and enamel spinning top, the compartment below contains a gold, enamel and diamond-set vintage car, on the opposite side the top compartment contains gold and enamel building blocks, the middle compartment contains a multi-colored enamel and gold hot air balloon that also revolves to the music, the compartment below contains the gold and multi-colored enamel Punch and Judy theater scene, the lower half of the central box consisting of six mother-of-pearl inlaid simulated drawers, each with diamond-set borders, the handles each with either applied sapphire, emerald or ruby, the top right hand drawer opens to activate and stop the musical and automaton mechanism • inside the left-hand door:  the top compartment contains a gold, enamel, diamond and mother-of-pearl sailing yacht, to one side a gold, enamel Beefeater soldier standing to attention, the compartment below contains a gold, enamel and diamond-set steam locomotive, further below contains a rock crystal, diamond-set cat holding a malachite ball of yarn, to the right a gold sculptured artist palette and paintbrush, the bottom compartment contains a gold, diamond, ruby and enamel rocking horse, behind it is a malachite, mother-of-pearl checkers board • the inside right door: the top compartment contains two-color gold, diamond and enamel castle with opening / closing hinged drawbridge, below is a gold, enamel and chalcedony clown's mask, to one side a gold, enamel and diamond-set bow and arrow-filled quiver, below is a finely sculptured rock crystal teddy bear, placed behind is a gold and enamel badminton racket with shuttle cock, the final compartment below contains an exquisite gold, enamel, diamond and multi-colored hardstone set of croquet mallets, finish and starting posts, balls and hoops, behind is a gold, enamel, multi-colored stone and diamond-set backgammon board

Overall, this astonishing work is a true masterpiece. The variety and colors, creative imagination makes one mesmerized and unable to take one's eyes off this incredible object. Overall, this piece is in great condition. Some areas of light tarnishing to the gold, especially to the outer doors, but these can be cleaned. Enamel all seems intact, without any visible blemishes. The musical mechanism is functioning although there may be a loose connection in the electric lead. The automaton mechanisms are all working well. Inside right and left-hand doors bearing French gold hallmarks and also maker's stamp.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The total diamond weight is approximately 23.60 carats. 
The total weight of the toy cabinet is 11.46 kilograms. 
With an electrical cord and its original fitted red leather travelling case. 

The highly imaginative and artistic creations of  jewellery by Jean and Pierre Bellin can be found in many important and scholarly collections around the world.  Perhaps more renown abroad than at home, Jean & Pierre Bellin created exquisite jewels which were symbolic of French boutique jewellery. Their name is revered especially in the Middle East and Asia and in order to purchase and own one of their creations clients had to be put on a waiting list for extensive periods of time.

Jean & Pierre were part of the very exclusive and secretive world of High-end jewellery and they were the fourth generation to continue the family business which was formed at the beginning of the 20^th century and were trained by both their father and grand-father.  After several years working as jewellers for Cartier they decided to open their first own atelier on 16 rue de la Grange-Batelière in Paris.  Their exceptional imagination and technical skills permitted them to expand their business very quickly and open an additional new workshop on 62 rue Lafayette, one of the biggest workshops in the French capital. 

At the time of their production they were known in the high end jewellery market as being particularly gifted at creating the most impossible and challenging designs and despite being one of the most successful independent jewellers in France, Jean and Pierre Bellin found the large majority  of their revenues  came from abroad.  Their unique and colourful style using stones such as Emerald and rock crystal, which are difficult to cut, meant they were always up to date with the French Haute Couture.  Jean & Pierre Bellin’s main inspiration was the Art Deco style which employed the use of geometric forms, but they also were admired for their flowing and more elaborate style of Baroque art.

The Magnificent Musical Automaton Toy Cabinet was made especially for exhibition at the Basel Fair at the beginning of the 1990s to showcase their incredible talent and skill as craftsmen of the highest calibre and was purchased for an Important Private Collection.