Lot Essay
Similar singing-bird boxes by or attributed to Rochat are illustrated in S. and C. Bailly, Oiseaux de bonheur - Tabatières et Automates Flights of Fancy - Mechanical Singing Birds, n.l., 2001, pp. 240-250.
.jpg?w=1)
ATTRIBUTED TO ROCHAT, GENEVA, WITH TOWN MARK, CIRCA 1820, THE INSIDE OF THE BASE PANEL MARKED WITH LETTER R, PELLET ABOVE, IN A VERTICAL LOZENGE
Details
A SWISS SPLIT-PEARL AND HARDSTONE-SET VARI-COLOUR GOLD SINGING-BIRD BOX
ATTRIBUTED TO ROCHAT, GENEVA, WITH TOWN MARK, CIRCA 1820, THE INSIDE OF THE BASE PANEL MARKED WITH LETTER R, PELLET ABOVE, IN A VERTICAL LOZENGE
rectangular box with rounded corners, the panels on cover, four sides and base engine-turned with a narrow scalework pattern, the cover and base framed by a broad matted band stamped and chased with roses, pinecones and leaves in four-colour gold, the sides bordered by husks on a matted band, the rounded corners of the sides similarly chased with vases of flowers, the lid centred by a hinged oval flap encrusted with beads and cabochons of carnelian, lapis-lazuli, turquoise and split-pearls depicting a colourful flowerspray with chased and stamped gold leaves on a sablé ground, within a border of husks, a slide on the front side opening the flap and releasing the mechanism of the colourfully plumed singing bird rotating on its axis, flapping its left wing, turning its head and opening its beak to whistle a tune; associated key in hinged rear key compartment
2 7/8 in. (73 mm.) wide
ATTRIBUTED TO ROCHAT, GENEVA, WITH TOWN MARK, CIRCA 1820, THE INSIDE OF THE BASE PANEL MARKED WITH LETTER R, PELLET ABOVE, IN A VERTICAL LOZENGE
rectangular box with rounded corners, the panels on cover, four sides and base engine-turned with a narrow scalework pattern, the cover and base framed by a broad matted band stamped and chased with roses, pinecones and leaves in four-colour gold, the sides bordered by husks on a matted band, the rounded corners of the sides similarly chased with vases of flowers, the lid centred by a hinged oval flap encrusted with beads and cabochons of carnelian, lapis-lazuli, turquoise and split-pearls depicting a colourful flowerspray with chased and stamped gold leaves on a sablé ground, within a border of husks, a slide on the front side opening the flap and releasing the mechanism of the colourfully plumed singing bird rotating on its axis, flapping its left wing, turning its head and opening its beak to whistle a tune; associated key in hinged rear key compartment
2 7/8 in. (73 mm.) wide
Provenance
Christie's, London, 3 June 2003, lot 250.
Brought to you by
Amelia Anderson