Property from the Halim Time & Glass Museum: Sold Without Reserve

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Sep 24 | 3:30 PM EDT

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Lot 556

A French Gilt Bronze 'Singing Bird' Automaton Mantel Clock, Attributed to Bontems

Lot 556

A French Gilt Bronze 'Singing Bird' Automaton Mantel Clock, Attributed to Bontems

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000

Estimate$20,000 – $30,000

Status

Closed

A French Gilt Bronze 'Singing Bird' Automaton Mantel Clock, Attributed to Bontems

SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY

十九世紀下半葉法國銅鍍金蝴蝶擺鳥音鐘
having a pair of lovebirds and foliate crest over the enameled dial with Roman numerals above the glazed case containing a bird in a naturalist setting which moves and sings on the hour, the whole raised on toupie feet.

鳥音鈡是法國鐘錶大師Blaise Bontems (1814-1893) 的天才設計。由底座、布景箱、鐘表組成。底座内裝置音樂及鳥鳴機械。布景箱内小小山丘間站立一自鳴小鳥，上弦啟動後，先打樂，樂聲之後鳥鳴，小鳥張嘴擺頭搖尾，背後蝴蝶形擺錘左右移動，極為生動傳神。上部為三針鐘，鐘上飾雙鴿，展翅對鳴，極富趣味。鐘表之機芯不與底座的機械聯動。同一款式的鳥音鈡在故宮藏有兩件，編號故00183577，故00183575。

Height 21 1/2 x width 10 x depth 7 in., 54.6 x 25.4 x 17.8 cm.

Property from the Halim Time & Glass Museum, Evanston, Illinois

Two similar 'singing bird' clocks are held in the collections of the Palace Museum, Beijing, acc. nos. gu00183577 and gu00183575.

This clock is attributed to the Bontems, a Parisian family who specialized in the design and manufacture of singing bird automata. Eight-day movement with automata and musical singing bird mechanism.

Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve 本拍品不設底價

The clock takes a wind and chimes, but the pendulum's journey is inhibited by a slight bend in the painted landscape backing, which presently obstructs full examination. Please consult an horologist for service. There is no key for the clock movement, but an associated key to wind the automaton. The bird sings and moves. The bird in overall good stable condition, the feathers slightly ruffled, but without deficits. The case with mild surface marks and wear.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Annie Wu

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Asian Art

anniewu@freemansauction.com 312.447.3260

Ms. Wu joined the firm in 2014, after working as a specialist in the Asian Works of Art Department of an East Coast auction house. She researches, appraises, and sells Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and South East Asian works of art, including jades, bronzes, ceramics, paintings, armor, and furniture. Throughout her career, Ms. Wu has achieved record prices for several prominent estates and collections, including the Estate of Frank G. Mertes, Sr., Winona, Minnesota; the Chinese Painting Collection of Ms. Yuan Jiaying and Mr. Li Guoyuan, Chicago; the Estate of Hisazo Nagatani, Chicago, and the Asian Art Collection deaccessioned from the Strong Museum of Play, Rochester, New York.

Flora Zhang

Specialist, Asian Works of Art

florazhang@freemansauction.com 312.447.3290

Property from the Halim Time & Glass Museum: Sold Without Reserve

A French Gilt Bronze 'Singing Bird' Automaton Mantel Clock, Attributed to Bontems

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