Automata 2

0:00 The Monkey Smoker - by Triboulet, c. 1880

This piece is one of the "Smoker" type automata that were popular in the late 19th century. A monkey dressed in a Turkish-style costume performs the act of smoking a cigarette (or hookah). When wound up, the monkey gazes through a monocle, moves its head, brings the cigarette to its mouth, and slowly exhales "smoke." The smoke effect is not real; it is cleverly created by a rubber bulb and bellows mechanism hidden inside the head and torso. Characterized by its realistic and somewhat human-like, humorous movements, it is said to have been very popular among gentlemen of the era. Its creator, Jean Triboulet, was an automaton maker known for such unique pieces.

2:00 The Snake Charmer - by Roullet & Decamps, c. 1900

This piece is a masterpiece from the Roullet & Decamps workshop, centered on the theme of exoticism. A beautiful woman wearing a turban skillfully handles a snake with her left hand while holding a flute with her right. She continuously gazes at the snake in her hand, as if hypnotizing it. However, what truly captivates the viewer is the automaton's realistic sense of life. Her chest slowly and sensuously rises and falls as if she were truly breathing. This delicate and fluid movement gives the doll a mysterious charm, elevating it beyond a mere mechanical toy into a work of art. It is a superb example of the Roullet & Decamps workshop's masterful skill in recreating the lifelike movements of humans and animals.

5:00 Clown on a Ball - by Bontems, c. 1900

This is a delightful and technically advanced circus-themed automaton. It recreates the scene of a clown rolling a large ball while maintaining exquisite balance. When wound, the clown sways its body to keep balance while elegantly moving a feather fan held in its hand. Simultaneously, the ball beneath its feet rotates, creating the illusion that the clown is genuinely performing the act of ball-rolling. This complex movement is achieved through a clever center-of-gravity mechanism. The Bontems workshop, its creator, was world-famous for its realistic "singing birds," but this piece demonstrates their exceptional skill in crafting humanoid automata as well.