Single automaton “Singing Bird” in a cylindrical cageSold

The automaton is made in the form of a cylindrical domed cage made of gilded brass, reinforced with three decorative belts with chased patterns, and installed on a round multi-tiered pedestal. The pedestal is decorated with a gilded chased frieze with floral patterns and a grooved (lobed) edging along the lower edge; the bottom of the cage is covered with green silk fabric with edging.
In the center of the composition is one mechanical bird with plumage made from natural feathers of exotic birds with a spectacular iridescent tint: emerald-turquoise tones of the head and back turn into blue and light blue shades of the wings, with yellow accents in the tail. A bird with an open beak and glass eyes is mounted on a brass crossbar, decorated with branches with silk flowers (mauve blossoms, blue “forget-me-nots”) and beads imitating berries.
When the spring mechanism hidden in the pedestal is activated, the bird imitates singing: it turns, flaps its wings and tail, opens its beak; a melodious whistle is produced by a cam-controlled bellows mechanism.
Marking
On the base there is an oval stamp-seal: “J. PHALIBOIS / A / PARIS".
Historical background
Jean Phalibois (1835–1900) is one of the leading Parisian automatists of the second half of the 19th century, along with Blaise Bontem, considered a classic of the “school of singing birds.” His workshop was famous for its impeccable mechanics and rich decoration: Falibois’s works are characterized by cylindrical cages on massive gilded pedestals with chased friezes and crossbars with enamel and silk flowers. Single automata of his work are consistently represented at major auctions and in museum collections of decorative and applied art.
Condition
The gilding of the pedestal and cage is in good condition, with a slight natural patina. The bird's plumage shows minor signs of wear and local loss, typical of items with natural feathers; silk flowers and beaded trim - without significant losses.