Automaton Singing Bird Jardinière by Blaise Bontems, c. 1880

Bird with brown plumage, articulated head, beak and tail controlled by going-barrel movement with bellows and whistle for birdsong, in porcelain jardinière decorated with painted scene of romantic couple discovered in sylvan landscape by a rival who covers her eyes. With lower gilt rim and shell feet, height 19 ½ in. (49 cm) x approx. 9 in. (23 cm) diameter, with key, chips on keyhole and one foot, unobtrusive hairline crack (on reverse) and underside. – Literature: Bailly, "Automata, the Golden Age", p. 48. – A luxurious exhibition piece by Bontems in excellent working condition.

布雷克拍品等级是为了方便竞买人判断拍卖品的成色而设置的。布雷克等级用1到6级来标注外观和功能的成色，(从非常好到非常差)。 在目录图册里用括号里的2个数字来表示，前一个数字表示外观成色的级别，后一个数字表示功能成色的级别。如(3/2)表示外观成色是3(满意的)，功能成色2(好)。 成色 定义参照下列标准： 1 - 非常好 (未使用过，没有使用痕迹) 2 - 好 (新，极少的使用痕迹) 3 - 满意的 (普通的使用痕迹) 4 - 及格的 (明显的使用痕迹，某个非主要部件是后配的) 5 - 有缺陷的 (极明显的使用痕迹, 某个主要部件是后配的，功能上有缺陷，需要修理) 6 - 非常差 (严重破损, 缺少重要部件)