Music Box

Artist Charles Bruguier the Elder (Swiss, 1788 - 1862)

Place of OriginSwitzerland

Datelate 19th century

DimensionsH: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); W: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); D: 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)

MediumMetal and enamel; Engraved metal, inlaid with enamel

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Florence Scott Libbey

Object number

1933.168

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 27

DescriptionSmall bird on spring released by catch; Music box

Label TextThis decorative box with a mechanical singing bird is a form developed by Swiss watchmakers in the late 1700s. These watchmakers perfected miniature automata, utilizing ingenious design, intricate machinery, and bellows to create a dazzling combination of art, music, and technology. When the box is wound, the oval plaque on top pops open and a tiny bird emerges, whirling around as it flaps its wings, turns its head, and clacks its beak while singing a trilling song (scan the QR code to watch a video of the bird in action). The metal bird is covered in real feathers from South American hummingbirds. [QR code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3DNRZt9_iM] Point your phone camera here to see a video of the singing bird box.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Out of Sight, June 18-Aug. 29, 2010 (no cat.).