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 exquisite automatic matchbox crafted in silver with gilding. The rectangular body, decorated with guilloché geometric engraving, conceals beneath its lid a miniature mechanical scene in the refined Belle Époque manner. When the lid is closed, the mechanism is automatically wound; when opened, it activates a relief composition of two figures in an intimate interior, partially gilt and silvered. The movement of the figures creates the illusion of a living tableau, typical of the “tableau mécanique” genre — a miniature theatre animated by a spring-driven mechanism. Produced in limited numbers, such objects were prized by collectors and gentlemen’s salons as examples of witty and elegant mechanical art.
Dimensions: Height 6 cm; width 3 cm; depth 1.5 cm.
Material: Silver, gilding, spring mechanical movement.
Weight: 57 g.
Condition: At the time of cataloguing, the mechanism is functional and winds automatically when the lid is closed. Some small decorative movable elements are missing. Minor patina and traces of age.
Provenance: Private European collection.
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.
