Musical Clock with Automata

This amazing piece is one-of-a-kind. It was made in Liege in Western Belgium, which has been a cultural hub since medieval times. The massive heavily carved robust oak case reflects the German influence of
its neighbor; and its unique features and appearance also reflect the creativity of provincial regions. The movement is an astounding achievement: a massive musical pinned cylinder plays a variety of tunes,
which are played on bells by a patinated and ormolu automaton blackamoor figure. Its awe-inspiring size – 15 feet – indicates that it was made for an important building, either a castle or a state facility. We know
nothing about this extraordinary maker, Jean Knaeps, but the quality and vision of his work speaks for itself.