An Art Noveau richly-gilt bronze antique musical automaton inkwell,

French,

circa 1910,

Beware of the dog...

When wound and either left or right inkwell lids lifted, music automatically starts to play, accompanied by the gentle flapping of the butterfly wings upon seller's basket - closing lids brings the show to a close.

With cylinder musical movement playing two airs, mounted beneath cast gilt bronze case of standing apple-seller boy with basket of fruit, a standing dog beside about to jump up at the resting butterfly perched upon basket edge, moving wings, double cut glass inkwells each with hinged crabpot lids, sweep naturalistic swags to shaped base, on scroll toes.

7.1/2in. high, 7.1/2in, wide - (19 x 19cm)

Point of interest -

Another pure example of the subtle qualities of antique automata in action.  Here, the richly gilt case sets off the scene beautifully with the static dog modelled as part of tha action in a very strong manner, whilst, at the modeller's direction, remaining static at all times.  It's how you see it, not what you see...