Jean Farkas – “Smoker of Nargileh”. Rare musical smoking automaton, c. An extraordinary mid-20th-century mechanical automaton by Jean Farkas, depicting an exotic seated figure smoking a nargileh (hookah). Known as the “Smoker of Nargileh” also encountered as. , this elaborate automaton combines sculpture, costume, mechanical movement, music and a smoking effect into a wonderfully theatrical object. The figure sits cross-legged upon a velvet-covered base, richly dressed and wearing a large turban, holding the smoking apparatus and a feather fan. When operating correctly, the internal mechanism produces music and coordinated movement of the head and both hands, together with the remarkable smoking/blowing effect for which the automaton was designed. It is a wonderfully eccentric survivor from the tradition of mechanical entertainment: part sculpture, part mechanical toy and part miniature theatre. Farkas continued the European tradition of mechanical figures and musical automata at a time when such elaborate objects were already becoming increasingly unusual to manufacture. His creations combine traditional automaton construction with the distinctive theatrical character of the mid-20th century. The “Smoker of Nargileh” is particularly striking because the mechanical performance is not limited to a simple repetitive movement: the music, moving head and arms and smoking effect combine to create an animated scene. The automaton is in exceptionally well-preserved cosmetic condition, with the figure, costume, accessories and presentation base retaining a very attractive appearance. The automaton is fully functional. When activated, the musical mechanism plays while the figure performs a coordinated sequence of movements. The musical mechanism operates. The figure performs its characteristic smoking / blowing effect. The combination produces a remarkably lifelike little performance and makes the object considerably more engaging than an automaton relying upon a single repetitive movement. Farkas worked within the European tradition of mechanical figures and musical automata, creating highly decorative objects in which elaborate costumes and sculptural presentation were combined with concealed mechanical movements. Is a particularly charismatic example: part sculpture, part mechanical toy and part miniature theatre Important note regarding transport. As with antique and vintage mechanical automata, minor mechanical misalignment can occasionally occur during transportation. The automaton will therefore be carefully packed with particular attention to protecting the figure and mechanical components, but correct operation immediately following transport cannot be guaranteed without the possibility of minor adjustmentA fascinating and highly decorative mechanical object with enormous presence, appealing to collectors of automata, mechanical music, antique toys, curiosities and theatrical objects. This is a perfect Christmas gift for someone who has everything.