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Lot Essay
US$42,000-62,000
The first automatons appeared in Geneva in the late 18th century, small technical marvels imitating the movements of living creatures, ranging from simpler "Bras en l'air" figures whose arms would indicate the time to incredibly complex works such as this forge of love scene where three adorable cherubims are making and sharpening their arrows of love - the figure on the left moving his arm and leg at the treadle wheel grinder, the central figure is hammering and the figure on the right activating the bellows to the roaring furnace. This marvellous 5 automaton pocket watch was made specifically for the Chinese market in the nineteenth century.
The first automatons appeared in Geneva in the late 18th century, small technical marvels imitating the movements of living creatures, ranging from simpler "Bras en l'air" figures whose arms would indicate the time to incredibly complex works such as this forge of love scene where three adorable cherubims are making and sharpening their arrows of love - the figure on the left moving his arm and leg at the treadle wheel grinder, the central figure is hammering and the figure on the right activating the bellows to the roaring furnace. This marvellous 5 automaton pocket watch was made specifically for the Chinese market in the nineteenth century.