Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 1766, British, London, Case: gold with diamonds and paste jewels set in silver, pearls; Dial: while enamel; Movement: partly gilded brass and steel, wheel balance and cock of silver set with paste jewels, Overall: 10 1/4 × 6 3/8 × 3 1/4 in. (26 × 16.2 × 8.3 cm), Metalwork-Gold and Platinum, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 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.
Automaton in the form of a chariot pushed by a Chinese attendant and set with a clock, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 1766, British, London, Case: gold with diamonds and paste jewels set in silver, pearls; Dial: while enamel; Movement: partly gilded brass and steel, wheel balance and cock of silver set with paste jewels, Overall: 10 1/4 × 6 3/8 × 3 1/4 in. (26 × 16.2 × 8.3 cm), Metalwork-Gold and Platinum, James Cox (British, ca. 1723–1800), 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