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

James Cox British

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 540

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.

Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 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, British, London

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Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 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, British, London
Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 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, British, London

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