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

Not on View

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.).