Details
Image(s)
TitleSinging Bird Snuff Box with Slide Whistle Movement
Creator Frères Rochat
PlaceGeneva (Switzerland)
Year ca. 1840
Object number0783
Object categorymechanical wind instruments
DescriptionThis sophisticated snuff box is made of tortoiseshell. Under the enamel medallion with a painting of a cityscape by the water, a tiny mechanical bird is concealed. When one slides the gold-plated slider to the side, the locket flips open and the bird comes out to whistle a song using a piston flute mechanism. The movements and music are programmed on different program discs. The base plate on which the little bird stands is ormolu and beautifully engraved with the image of a bird.
Accompanying textsThe music consists of the bird whistling, programmed on one of the program discs provided.
The Rochat family was one of the most successful watch and automaton makers of the 19th century and had many members. In 1813, David Rochat and his sons (François, Frédéric and Samuel) started the firm Frères Rochat & Cie. Even in the early days, these brothers made the most extravagant mechanical birds, which they also supplied to other manufacturers, such as the firm Jacquet Droz and Lechot. Their works of art enchanted many royal courts. The fascination for their works was international; their clientele stretched as far as Asia and the Far East and included prominent individuals. Among others, their objects were loved (and bought) by Empress Josephine of France, first wife of Emperor Napoleon as well as his mistress (Maria Waleska). The family also supplied the court of the Sultan in Constantinople and the aristocracy of Imperial China.
The Rochat family was one of the most successful watch and automaton makers of the 19th century and had many members. In 1813, David Rochat and his sons (François, Frédéric and Samuel) started the firm Frères Rochat & Cie. Even in the early days, these brothers made the most extravagant mechanical birds, which they also supplied to other manufacturers, such as the firm Jacquet Droz and Lechot. Their works of art enchanted many royal courts. The fascination for their works was international; their clientele stretched as far as Asia and the Far East and included prominent individuals. Among others, their objects were loved (and bought) by Empress Josephine of France, first wife of Emperor Napoleon as well as his mistress (Maria Waleska). The family also supplied the court of the Sultan in Constantinople and the aristocracy of Imperial China.
Dimensions
geheel height: 2.7
geheel width: 9.5
geheel depth: 6.3
geheel width: 9.5
geheel depth: 6.3
Digital references