Van Cleef & Arpels Unveils Stunning Automaton Crafted by Master Artisan
In a world where most special effects are created on computers, the art of the automaton is making a comeback thanks to the skilled hands of François Junod. The craftsman, who has dedicated his life to creating these intricate mechanical devices, has spent the past two and a half years working on a showstopping piece for the renowned jewelry house, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Located in his workshop among the mountains of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, Junod has brought to life the Apparition des Baies, a mesmerizing automaton that stands nearly 11 inches tall. The bejeweled object, crafted from Dalmatian jasper and pink-hued thulite, features a rotating 12-hour clock and a dome of lacquered rose-gold leaves. When wound up, the dome unfurls to reveal a diamond-and-sapphire-encrusted songbird that sings a crystalline tune and flaps its wings before the dome closes once again.
The creation of the Apparition des Baies was a collaborative effort that involved more than a dozen artisans, including stone setters, engravers, and lacquer artists. Junod and his team faced challenges in ensuring that the automaton’s intricate mechanics could support the weight of the gold leaves and mimic the fluid movements of nature. After experimenting with numerous prototypes, they were able to achieve Junod’s vision of creating magic and poetry through their work.
“We’re reaching toward the impossible,” says Junod. “Magic, poetry — humanity needs that.” With the unveiling of the Apparition des Baies, Van Cleef & Arpels continues the tradition of awe-inspiring automatons that have captivated audiences for centuries.
