Automaton
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1870 - circa 1899
Materials
Wood, bisque and textiles
Measurements
288mm (length), 138mm (width), 330mm (height)
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 657454
Summary
An automaton clown (possibly late 19th century) and horse standing on a wooden box which in turn is supported on four legs, (one of the legs is a replacement). The wooden box is covered in paper with a green pattern. On one side of the box is a revolving, 'L' shaped metal handle. The wooden horse has orange and black bead eyes, it is covered in a cream fabric which has been painted a dappled grey. The hooves are wooden, painted black. Long grey hair tail. The horse is standing on its rear legs, its front legs raised. The horse wears a faded red and white harness. The clown has a bisque head with painted facial features and details, the left eye holds a monocle. Painted light brown hair. Wooden body, forearms, hands, lower legs and feet. Wearing a fabric top with red and orange leafs and flowers on a navy background. Short brown trousers edged with an open weave braid trim. Painted brown wooden shoes. Dirty red flat conical hat. In his right hand the clown holds a whip and in his left a small metal bell. Over his right shoulder he carries a woven straw basket which has some holes in it (in storage). Total number of items is 2.