Jaquet Droz & Leschot Singing Bird Cage Automaton Clock

Inventory Number: C1809001

Overall height: 28cm. 

Cage’s height: 19cm.

Produced circa 1785, It’s attributed to Genève brilliant watchmakers Jaquet Droz and Leschot.  

Gilt brass bird cage automaton clock with two jumping singing birds and simulated waterfalls. Automaton activated by request, two brightly painted birds will flap their wings and open their beaks as they seemingly jump between perches. In the center, three glass rods will keep rotating very fast to simulate running water. The fusee and chain movement contained within the cage base and powering the bellows and water features.

In the 18th century, among the most brilliant watchmakers who traded with China, Jaquet Droz (1721-1790) and his son Henry Louis, and their collaborator Jean Frédéric Leschot must be cited. Jaquet Droz and Leschot made and presented hundreds of fine watches that decorated with enamel and pearl or gemstones, and also superb automata to Imperial Palace of Beijing during that time.