In a bustling medieval marketplace, where the air was thick with the smell of roasted meats and the sound of clanging swords, there stood a peculiar attraction—a small mechanical man, no taller than a child’s knee, crafted from gleaming wood. His creator, a mysterious inventor cloaked in shadows, set him down in the center of the square as a curious crowd gathered. With a turn of the crank, the tiny automaton whirred to life, his gears clicking in rhythm. The crowd gasped as he opened his mouth wide, inhaling the flames from a nearby torch as if they were nothing but air. With every gulp, the fire twisted into glowing embers that danced in his belly, illuminating his metal frame from within. He spun and twirled, releasing bursts of sparkling light with each step, dazzling the onlookers, who cheered in awe at the sight of the little man who ate fire and turned it into magic.

What is an automaton? An automaton can be described as self-operating machine. Automata have been around for centuries, delighting, humoring and mystifying on-lookers with their lifelike actions. Automata from ancient times include King Solomon's throne with mechanical animals that hailed him as King as he ascended it. In ancient China a talented mechanical engineer presented a lifelike human automaton to the Emperor that could walk, sing, posture, and even wink at the ladies of the court. The Emperor was reportedly not amused. Hundreds of years later in 17th Century France, a gifted engineer created the Digesting Duck that appeared to eat, digest and then poo!

• Fascinating automaton kit with real wooden parts
• To assemble, just slot together the precision-cut pieces

  No glue or tools required

• Colorful and delightful figures

For more information, please email us at clocks@northcoastimports.com

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