A particularly decorative late 19th-century French singing bird box, attributed to Flajoulot, circa 1895, the rectangular case executed in rich tortoiseshell and finely worked in the Boulle manner with contrasting gilt-metal floral, foliate and bird decoration. The upper surface is particularly attractive, with scrolling foliage inhabited by numerous birds arranged symmetrically around the central oval lid. Further Boulle decoration continues around all four sides, with scrolling foliage, flowers and birds set against the warm reddish-brown tortoiseshell ground. The case is bordered throughout with finely detailed gilt-metal mounts and raised upon a stepped gilt-metal plinth with bracket feet. Upon operation, the oval lid opens to reveal the finely pierced and engraved gilt-metal grille and a miniature feathered bird. The bird rises from beneath the grille and performs its song while turning from side to side, opening and closing its beak and moving its wings and tail. At the conclusion of the performance the bird disappears beneath the grille and the lid automatically closes. The mechanism is attributed to Flajoulot, one of the notable French makers of singing bird boxes during the closing years of the 19th century. Flajoulot's movements are particularly well regarded for their robust construction and efficient centrifugal governor, and were employed in some of the more accomplished French bird boxes of the period. The combination of Boulle tortoiseshell decoration and singing-bird automaton makes this an especially appealing example. Unlike the more commonly encountered painted wooden cases of the period, the elaborate Boulle-work case gives the box the character of a luxurious decorative object even when the automaton is at rest. French, circa 1895.