Large Custom "Cat Theater" diorama mechanical automaton music box, made by the family-owned studio Atelier Autrefois in Paris, France. The diorama is housed within a carved and gilded shadowbox frame designed as an 18th-century room, complete with parquet floors, wall sconces, lace curtains, and a painted backdrop.The interior features a feline musical ensemble: Four Moving Cats: Hand-sculpted anthropomorphic cats (including a Siamese violinist) dressed in period costumes with lace, silk, and velvet trim. These four figures move when the mechanism is wound. Five Static Cats: A separate ensemble of five smaller porcelain cats with miniature instruments. These figures do not move and are unattached, allowing you to position them freely. Measures 23"H x 21.25"W x 20"D. Large and fragile item. Comes with key to wind. 

The piece is powered by a mechanical movement wound with the included key. When wound, the four main cats move to a 36-note music box that plays four classical selections:Opening of Rossini, Vivaldi's Spring, Paganini's 18th Variation, Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Maker: Atelier Autrefois (Paris, France)
Type: Multi-Figure Mechanical Automaton & Music Box
ICondition Report: Good condition overall. The gilded frame and interior room show minor, age-appropriate surface wear. Costumes are intact with no major fading or tears. The mechanical movements and the 36-note music box are fully functional, with clear sound and smooth animation. The unattached porcelain figures are free of chips or cracks. Because of its large size and delicate rigging, this item is fragile and will require careful packing or specialized shipping.
 

Condition Guide: We list damage, repairs, and wear that we are aware of in each listing. No mention of condition does not necessarily mean the Lot is free of issues. Please view the images as part of the description and if necessary, request a condition report. Below is a general definition of how we rate items. 
Excellent: Condition is well above what would be expected for a previously owned item. Never worn, or new with tags, No apparent manufacturing flaws. etc.
Very good condition: Well kept, respectfully handled with minimal wear and tear. May have a minor flaw for example a tiny glaze pop, or a few surface scuffs to the underside of a base.
Good condition: No major issues. Expected normal minor wear for age and use.
Generally good condition: One or more items in a group lot or set may have described and/or photographed issue/s. For example: chip in dinnerware, missing rhinestone/s in costume jewelry group lot.
Fair Condition: Multiple issues but in our opinion, worth salvaging. Repairs or major issues will be detailed in the text and the worst shown in images.
Poor Condition: The lot shouldn't be there. Please notify us.