French Automaton Clock with Animated Birds

A delightful example of 19th-century French automata, this singing bird timepiece is adorned with lifelike foliage. Morning glories and nasturtiums intertwine gracefully around a central tree trunk while a bird perches and sings atop. A hummingbird flits among the branches, and another dips toward a shimmering waterfall below, where a rotating glass rod ingeniously mimics flowing water. Monarch butterflies nestled among the flowers complete the lively tableau.

Nestled into a naturalistic “embankment” is a gilt 8-day time-only clock with a white porcelain dial and Roman numerals. The musical and automaton mechanisms are housed within the ebonized base.

Attributed to the renowned Bontems family of Paris, this piece beautifully unites the artistry of horology, sculpture, and kinetic design, creating a delightful fusion of timekeeping, decoration, and entertainment.

23″ High x 18″ Wide x 10″ Deep

Circa 1880