Gustave Vichy

• the figure with papier mâché head, upswept hair held in an elaborate bun by Japanese kanzashi, the standing figure with a broad smile holds a large blue paper parasol in her left hand, an uchiwa fan held in her right hand • the figure performs the following series of motions: she bows her head and turns from left to right while blinking, twirls the parasol and fans herself, all to music playing two airs • the music and automaton work contained within the body • with two control levers for start/stop and winding, the winder terminating in Vichy's signature Acorn

Amusing and very rare. in good working order The figure is original, however it has been redressed and the clothing does have some age. The shoes are probably original. The Umbrella is original and has the following minor condition issues, such as some pigment loss and a bit of cracking to the tip of the umbrella, loss and cracking to tip of umbrella. Light crack to one finger. Wear and scratches to winder,
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Paris in the late 19th century was fascinated by the Far East. Gustave Vichy created a series of automata inspired by life in China and Japan. The flat uchiwa is the most common of Japanese fans. In East Asian cultures, the fan is symbolic of friendship and goodwill. Kanzashi are traditional Japanese hair ornaments and came into popular use during the Edo period (1603-1868).

A nearly identical figure is part of The Guiness Collection, Morris Museum, Morristown, New Jersey, and is illustrated in Bailly, C., Automata: The Golden Age, pp. 70-71 and 235.