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Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
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Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
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Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier

  • This singing bird box by Charles Bruguier represents one of the finest examples of the rare automata
  • Its finely chased rectangular case is crafted in 18K yellow gold with diamond accents
  • A delicate bird emerges from its enamel-painted lid to sing its delightful song
  • Bruguier's technique for recreating the bird's song achieved striking realism, producing an astoundingly beautiful sound
  • Get complete item description here
$228,500
Item No. 32-2259

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Description
18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Bird Box
Charles Bruguier
Circa 1840

This exceptional singing bird box by Charles Bruguier represents one of the finest examples of these beloved automata, uniting mechanical genius with jewel-like artistry. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and vivid enamel with diamond accents, it captivates through both innovation and beauty.

The chased rectangular gold case shines, its lid painted with a luminous alpine landscape. A concealed lever activates the rare. . .
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18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Bird Box
Charles Bruguier
Circa 1840

This exceptional singing bird box by Charles Bruguier represents one of the finest examples of these beloved automata, uniting mechanical genius with jewel-like artistry. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and vivid enamel with diamond accents, it captivates through both innovation and beauty.

The chased rectangular gold case shines, its lid painted with a luminous alpine landscape. A concealed lever activates the rare fusée mechanism, causing its delicate, iridescent bird to rise from the pierced oval grille, flap its wings and trill its song. Among the most complex automata ever made, these bird boxes remain collector treasures.

Charles Abraham Bruguier (1788–1862), the last true heir to the Jaquet-Droz tradition, honed his craft in Geneva and London. He elevated singing bird mechanisms with remarkable refinement, improving upon the innovations of Les Frères Rochat and Jaquet-Droz. Bruguier's technique for recreating the bird's song achieved striking realism, producing an astoundingly beautiful sound. His creations endure as mechanical masterpieces, blending sound, motion and the finest ornament.

1 1/4" high x 3 1/4" wide x 2 1/2" deep
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Gold and Diamond Bird Box by Charles Bruguier
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Switzerland
Type: Bird Boxes
Depth: 2.5 in. (6.35 cm)
Width: 3.25 in. (8.26 cm)
Height: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
FAMOUS AUTOMATONS AND THEIR RICH HISTORY
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Collector's Guide: Bird Boxes
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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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