{"product_id":"silver-gilt-bird-box-by-charles-bruguier","title":"Silver Gilt Bird Box by Charles Bruguier","description":"Silver Gilt Bird Box\u003cbr\u003e Charles Bruguier\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1845 with later date inscription 1885 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This enchanting silver-gilt singing bird box by the great Charles Bruguier houses an exceptionally intricate fusee-driven automaton movement within its richly decorated case. The oval lid is centered by a finely painted enamel pastoral scene, while the interior is brightly enameled with floral bouquets against a vivid turquoise ground. The top, sides and base are further embellished with engine-turned and engraved ornament. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e When activated, the lid opens to reveal a lifelike feathered bird that sings a joyful melody while turning its head, opening its beak, fluttering its wings and tail and rotating with captivating realism. At the conclusion of the song, the turquoise-feathered bird retreats beneath an engraved and pierced oval grille. The underside bears a presentation inscription dated 28 October 1885, suggesting the box was gifted to commemorate a special occasion. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 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, building upon the innovations of Les Frères Rochat and Jaquet-Droz. Bruguier's technique for recreating birdsong achieved striking realism, producing an exceptionally lifelike sound. His creations endure as mechanical masterpieces, blending sound, motion and the finest ornament.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 1 1\/4\" high x 3 3\/4\" wide x 2 1\/2\" deep  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Belgium\/New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45534559240327,"sku":"32-2454","price":68500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2454_1.png?v=1786721445","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/silver-gilt-bird-box-by-charles-bruguier","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}