RARE SILVER EROTIC MUSICAL BOX ITALY, 1930s
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Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
An elegant silver musical box with an automatic mechanism, combining the functions of a cigarette case and a mechanical miniature scene. The rectangular case is crafted in 800 standard silver, featuring fine guilloché decoration and an ornamental border along the edges of the lid and body. The upper section opens to form a gilded cigarette tray, beneath which the musical mechanism is concealed.
The interior is richly gilded and decorated with a relief composition depicting a pastoral landscape with architectural motifs and decorative elements inspired by Neorococo aesthetics. At the centre is a movable figurative scene showing a couple dressed in 18th century costumes, executed in polychrome metal against a dark contrasting ground. When the mechanism is wound, the scene animates to musical accompaniment, creating the effect of a theatrical miniature and emphasising the playful, gallant character of the object.
The high artistic quality, mechanical complexity and the rarity of erotic subject matter in silver musical boxes make this piece an exceptional example of decorative and applied arts of the first half of the 20th century. A probable attribution points to the Italian silversmithing tradition of Sicily, with a possible connection to the circle of Palermo workshops specialising in refined interior accessories and objects of private use.
Hallmarks: Italian assay mark “800”. Maker’s mark not identified, possibly lost or concealed beneath structural elements.
Dimensions:
Height: 3.2 cm
Width: 9.2 cm
Length: 5.7 cm
Material: 800 standard silver, gilding, mechanical musical movement, mixed metal elements.
Condition: Good. Overall well preserved considering age. Minor signs of wear and superficial scratches. Gilding to the interior preserved. Mechanism in working order.
Provenance: Private collection.
Silver musical boxes with automatic erotic scenes produced in Italy during the 1920s–1930s represent a rare and highly refined phenomenon within European decorative arts of the interwar period. Italian silversmithing at the time remained deeply rooted in strong regional traditions, particularly in centres such as Palermo, Florence and Milan, while simultaneously responding to stylistic currents of Art Deco, Neoclassicism and historicist revival.
Musical automata of this kind embodied technical virtuosity, combining mechanics, music and miniature sculpture. Their production required collaboration between silversmiths, mechanical specialists and model-makers, and such objects were typically produced in very small numbers or on a bespoke basis for affluent private clients. Erotic themes, drawing on the gallant imagery of the 18th century Rococo tradition, were intended for discreet, private enjoyment and were often concealed within seemingly utilitarian objects such as cigarette cases.
Today, Italian silver erotic musical boxes of this type are extremely rare and are sought after by collectors of mechanical automata, erotic art and 20th century European silver, valued for their artistic sophistication, technical ingenuity and intimate cultural context.
Overall good condition. Silver with light wear and minor surface scratches consistent with age. Interior gilding well preserved. Musical and automatic mechanism functioning correctly. No significant losses, deformations or later alterations observed.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
