EXTREMELY RARE Gustave Vichy Monkey Harpist Automaton. Beautiful movement! Amber glass eyes with articulated eye lids, articulated jaw and upper lip, bone teeth, and shapely metal paws. Monkey is seated before wood and gild-brass string harp with lion's head capital, the two air going barrel mechanism causes the monkey to turn and nod his head, blink and chatter as though singing, as he raises each paw alternately in lifting and plucking motion created by articulation at shoulders and elbows. His clothing is all original! VERY RARE TO FIND IN THIS CONDITION! 17-1/2" tall. An extremely well-preserved example of a classic Vichy automaton depicting elegant monkey-person in 18th century dress who apes the court fashion for muscians to wear monkey masks while performing.

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