This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2020
Cartesian Diver or Water Devil. Flein: Rüdiger Deutsch, ca. 2000. A small hand-blown red glass devil, floating in a water-filled jar, rises and falls on the magician’s command despite the fact that the figure and jar are isolated in a handsome decorative metal case. Handsome gold-plated case with cast floral ornaments conceals a simple and elegant mechanism. Height 17 ½”. Near fine. Believed to be the only example manufactured by Deutsch. With an engraved plate bearing his name at the base. Includes three handmade glass devils.An ancient trick, The Cartesian Diver is based on Archimedes’ Principle, was said to have been made as a toy by the famous mathematician Rene Descartes, and was reportedly first described in print in the 1700s, if not earlier. Many will recognize the principle as being the same at work in the millions of miniature diver toys given away as cereal box premiums.