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Lot Essay
US$70,000-100,000
The present lot is a 'tour-de-force' by the renowned French Jeweler Mauboussin and the music box specialist Reuge. Inspired by a clown musician from the Italian impromptu comedies from the 17th century, the present automaton is impressively incrusted with precious stones and gold. The Harlequin himself weighs 1.6kg of 18k gold, is set with 16 carats of diamonds, 8.8 carts of emeralds, 28.6 carats of rubies, 18.7 carats of sapphires and mother-of-pearl set over the Harlequin chest. The Harlequin moves his hands, legs and head in gestures of expression whilst playing the mandolin with melodies taken from the Opera by Jacques Offenbach.
The present lot is a 'tour-de-force' by the renowned French Jeweler Mauboussin and the music box specialist Reuge. Inspired by a clown musician from the Italian impromptu comedies from the 17th century, the present automaton is impressively incrusted with precious stones and gold. The Harlequin himself weighs 1.6kg of 18k gold, is set with 16 carats of diamonds, 8.8 carts of emeralds, 28.6 carats of rubies, 18.7 carats of sapphires and mother-of-pearl set over the Harlequin chest. The Harlequin moves his hands, legs and head in gestures of expression whilst playing the mandolin with melodies taken from the Opera by Jacques Offenbach.