Musical automaton "Embroiderer"
Musical automaton "Embroiderer"
France, Paris
1977–1994
Latil-Pernot, Carabas S.A.R.L., Reuge SA (musical movement)
Silk, porcelain, papier-mâché, wood, metal, lace, leather, synthetic hair; sewing, painting, embroidery, carpentry, mechanical work
37.5 x 16.5 x 16 cm
Inscriptions on the label: “Automate / LATIL-PERNOT / CARABAS S.A.R.L. FRANCE”. On the key: “REUGE MUSIC”
The automaton, fashioned as a young woman embroidering, is mounted on a rectangular wooden base with chamfered corners, covered in ivory-colored velvet, featuring a label on the front side and raised on spherical metal feet. The girl's head and hands are crafted from bisque porcelain, featuring a blushed face with brown glass eyes and painted eyebrows and eyelashes. Her long black hair, styled with braids framing her face and tied at the back, is adorned with large light orange bow decorated with flowers and pearls.
The control mechanism and musical movement with a comb, pinned cylinder, and spring drive are housed within the base, which features a winding key on the right side and an on/off button for the mechanism on the front side.When the spring is wound and the mechanism is activated, a melody plays: the girl raises and lowers her right hand holding a needle, simulating embroidery, while smoothly turning her head right and left. All actions are repeated to musical accompaniment.
1492/ММП