France

circa 1900

Wood, shellac, papier-mache, glass; painting, taxidermy, milling

22 x 14 x 34 cm, 8 kg

The composition is presented on wooden oval base, decorated with black shellac. Base with wide upper profile, on four chiseled feet. The composition is in the form of a rocky cliff with trees, a small waterfall and a castle. Four birds with colorful plumage are sitting on the trees. The movement is fitted in the  base, consists of a sound comb, a cylider for two tunes and a whistle. The musical movement is started by a key. A lever on the right side of the stand activates it. When switched on, the spring activates the system of levers, the bellows and whistle piston. The whistle emits a sound, and the bird on the rock top "sings".