Bird cage automaton thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Bird cage automaton

Bird Cage Automaton
ca. 1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The gold painted metal cage has two birds on branches and a green velvet base. The mechanism is in the compartment below the cage.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Bird Cage Automata
  • Key
TitleBird cage automaton (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gold painted metal and velvet
Brief description
Bird cage automaton in a gold painted cage, with two birds on branches and a green velvet base, probably made by Charles Bontemps of Paris. France, ca. 1800.
Physical description
Plain gilded cage with deep base, and two automated singing birds on perches. The cage also has a hanging ring and a key winding mechanism. As this is not a coin-operated automaton, it was conceived for domestic or exhibition purposes. Both birds have a degree of movement and the mechanism is housed in a compartment below the cage.
Dimensions
  • Cage height: 1.67ft
Credit line
Purchased from Fortnum and Mason. Purchase made possible through the gift of an anonymous benefactor.
Summary
The gold painted metal cage has two birds on branches and a green velvet base. The mechanism is in the compartment below the cage.
Collection
Accession number
W.117:1-1975

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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