A unique quails cage with a windmills mechanism dated 1781.

A quails cage. High 52 cm. Wide 43 cm. Deep 23 cm. Above the cage a painting of a windmill with two square holes. Inside these a variety of 10 couples is visible, in the lower part dancing and in the upper part engaged in more intimate matters. The figures are delicately painted on copper. On the right of the lower opening the initials "T.N." and the date "1781". The cage can be opened from the left. There are five feeding holes on each side and a wheel in the middle. The feeding itself takes place from a small drawer on each side. By alternating the feeding side, the wheel starts moving and the carroussel turns around. This unique piece originated possibly from the Zaandam area and was many years in the possession of a well known Dutch actor.