Automata: Life & Other Illusions

Lot #64:

Blooming Orange Tree Automaton.

Blooming Orange Tree Automaton. Paris: Pierre Mayer, ca. 2005. As the handle is cranked, the small tree grows white blossoms, then bears orange fruits. Finally, the orange at the top splits open to reveal a silk handkerchief pulled upward by two butterflies. Modeled after the famous automaton/magic trick of Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, the “father of modern magic,” and with a cut-out three-quarter length portrait of the Frenchman mounted behind the automaton. 5 x 3 x 12”. Sold together with a contemporary flip book by Mayer showing the automaton in action. VIEW VIDEO