Lot 5108 ♣ - ibid145 Furniture - online only - Tuesday, 25. June 2024, 03.30 PM
IVORY BOX WITH SINGING BIRD AUTOMATON
Probably France or Switzerland, 19th century.
Rectangular box of carved ivory. Lid with three medallions, the central medallion with a kissing couple, the sides with partially nude women reacting to the central motif. The background is decorated with leaf motifs, scrolls and a pearl finial on the rim. The walls each with a scenic depiction of a courtly interior or a scenic forest, telling the story of a secret relationship with hidden witnesses. The bottom with a three-part depiction of an interior, a woman with a lady-in-waiting dressing, a hidden man observing the scene. Finished with a dotted frieze. Under the central medallion of the lid is a small songbird, turning and whistling. Movement with piston-driven whistle and winding mechanism on the bottom. Start lever on the side.
11 × 6.5 cm.
For the exportation of this item a CITES license is required. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. For further information please contact the department.
Due to the use of protected materials, this object cannot be exported from Switzerland to other countries.
Provenance: Small private collection of erotica, Geneva.
Provenance: Small private collection of erotica, Geneva.
CHF 1 000 / 1 500 | (€ 1 030 / 1 550)
Sold for CHF 2 400 (hammer price)
All information is subject to change.