Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock

James Cox

1766 · Case: gold with diamonds and paste jewels set in silver, pearls; Dial: white enamel; Movement: partly gilded brass and steel, wheel balance and cock of silver set with paste jewels · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

James Cox produced lavishly ornamented articles for trade with Asia. In China, his products were well-received and called “toys” or “sing-songs.” Originally one of a pair, this automaton was commissioned by the English East India Company for presentation to the emperor of China. The chariot’s wheels are driven by a spring, and tiny levers activate the whirligig held in the lady’s left hand and the wings of the bird in her right.

Artist

James Cox

Date

1766

Medium

Case: gold with diamonds and paste jewels set in silver, pearls; Dial: white enamel; Movement: partly gilded brass and steel, wheel balance and cock of silver set with paste jewels

Culture

British, London

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982