- 78
A gold, enamel and pearl singing bird box, probably Swiss, late 19th century, the earlier movement by Jaquet-Droz, late 18th/early 19th century
Estimate
25,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- A gold, enamel and pearl singing bird box, probably Swiss, late 19th century, the earlier movement by Jaquet-Droz, late 18th/early 19th century
- gold, enamel, pearl, ivory
- 9cm., 3 ½ in. wide
oval, the oval inner lid painted with a shepherd presenting a birdcage to his lady, after Boucher, and opening to reveal the large brightly-plumed automaton which moves head, beak and wings as it dances and sings, the ground, sides and base enamelled in dark translucent blue over engine-turning, the base and side divisions with coloured taille d’épargne musical trophies and urns, interlaced borders, the top rimmed with split pearls, the base with hinged key compartment, the outer lid opening to show later nameplate inscribed: Jaquet Droz London, the case unmarked, with key and typewritten instructions
Condition
Good condition apart from a few small scratches on base and front panel, movement has recently been cleaned and is currently functioning but is not guaranteed by Sotheby's.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. 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.
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."
Catalogue Note
The subject of the enamel is Boucher’s Pastorale à la cage painted between 1736-9 for the salle d’audience of the Hôtel de Soubise, Paris, and later engraved by A. Laurent with the title Le Pasteur complaisant.
It is intriguing to speculate whether the original case for this box was irreparably damaged or whether it was never given a case until well after its production.The goldsmith who made this case was obviously very familiar with the type of enamel and pearl box made in Geneva for Jaquet-Droz singing bird boxes although he has added small touches of his own such as the musical trophy on the base. It is to be noted also that the manner of opening the box and activating the bird is slightly more complicated than that normally to be found on late 18th/early 19th century bird boxes.
It is intriguing to speculate whether the original case for this box was irreparably damaged or whether it was never given a case until well after its production.The goldsmith who made this case was obviously very familiar with the type of enamel and pearl box made in Geneva for Jaquet-Droz singing bird boxes although he has added small touches of his own such as the musical trophy on the base. It is to be noted also that the manner of opening the box and activating the bird is slightly more complicated than that normally to be found on late 18th/early 19th century bird boxes.