Automata: Life & Other Illusions

Smoking Black Boy Automaton. Paris: Roullet & Decamps, ca. 1890. Seated in a bamboo chair with a pipe in one hand, when the mechanism is engaged, the figure raises the pipe to his lips and smokes real tobacco, blowing out smoke as the pipe is lowered to rest. The figure also turns his head, moves his free hand, and his lower lip. A concealed music box accompanies the movement. Finely formed figure with glass eyes and realistic wig. Chair mounted to velvet-covered base, which is, in turn, resting on a vintage (but likely not original) velvet-covered display stand bearing a butterfly motif on its front panel. Clockwork mechanism concealed in the body of the figure. Height 33”. Fabric elements all worn, but generally good condition. With key. Sold with a large vintage vitrine with peaked top (height 63”).