[AUTOMATON]. Mask-Seller in Japanese Costume. Paris: Vichy, ca. 1885. Musical mechanical automaton depicting a Japanese woman with pale complexion and hand-painted facial features, glass eyes, ornate coiffure, standing with a parasol at her back. She stands offering examples of papier mache decorative masks that she holds on her tray of wares. She is wearing an elaborately embroidered and hand-painted sash and kimono and silk slippers, carrying a large wooden-handled paper parasol while balancing a lacquered tray upon which papier-mache festival masks sit. There are six animations and one musical tune, including head pivots, raising and lowering eyelids, while twirling the parasol between the fingers, occasionally also covering her face with the mask held in the other hand. Condition is generally good, with areas of fabric wear and staining. Dust adherence. With key. Tested, functional. Third-party shipping required. 35 x 17 x 12".