This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2019
Magic Pasha Automaton. Connecticut: Anatoly Zaya-Ruzo, 2008. The robed Pasha, seated behind two fanciful tents, oversees a magical transposition. As the mechanism operates, the Pasha is fanned by one of his attendants, then waves his wand and hand. The doors to the tents before him open revealing a woman seated in one, and the other empty. The Pasha casts his spell and the doors close, opening moments later to reveal the woman has vanished from one tent to reappear in the other. Between the two tents sits a peacock, who spreads his feathers as the automaton operates. A small bird in a tree behind one tent also flaps his wings as the scene is played out. Operated with a hand crank at one side and a variety of brass levers at the front of the automaton. On a hardwood base concealing a music box which accompanies the action. 20 x 22 x 16”. Modeled on the famous Chinese magician automaton of Phalibois. Bearing an engraved brass maker’s plaque, and signed on the platform by the maker. Mechanism in need of adjustment.