#Exhibit of the Month

The music is recorded on a cylinder with pins. The interior is divided into three compartments: the first contains the crank and the mechanism that operates the cylinder with pins, the second - the cylinder with pins and vibrating lamellae, and the third - two levers for starting and stopping the melody. The cylinder holds seven melodies by W.A. Mozart, which are played through the vibration of steel teeth arranged in a comb, whose tips are adjacent to the cylinder. The lid of the box features floral marquetry on its outer surface. This cultural asset is classified under the "Tezaur" category.

The Story of Musical Boxes

Musical boxes originated in Switzerland at the end of the 18th century. In 1796, watchmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon invented a pocket watch with an incorporated musical mechanism, using the principle of tuned metal lamellae. The invention quickly spread, soon leading to the creation of musical boxes independent of watches.

Initially invented and built for the salon entertainment of the aristocracy, musical boxes quickly evolved, capturing the market and public interest with these entertainment machines. The musical box industry was predominantly centered in Switzerland. Geneva remains the cradle of the musical box, even though the art of crafting these musical wonders spread to other regions of Switzerland - such as Jura, Auberson, and Sainte Croix - and later to other countries, including France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Some of the most notable manufacturers of musical boxes include: Mermod Frères, Paillard, Reuge, Thorens, Cuendet, Junod, Nicole Frères, Ducommun-Girod, Brémond, and L'Epee.

The musical box operated on a relatively simple principle: a cylinder with pins (cylindrical pins) would, through rotation, actuate a metal "comb" tuned to specific musical notes, both being concealed from view in one of the box's compartments. By turning the cylinder - with the help of a spring mechanism (similar to that of watches) - the pins would strike the steel "teeth" of the comb, causing them to vibrate and produce different musical notes. A musical box could have a limited number of melodies "programmed" onto the cylinder - from 4 to 12.

Over time, the cylinders were replaced with interchangeable metal discs. Based on this operating principle, large musical boxes emerged in cafés and taverns, which could be activated by inserting a coin, allowing users to select their preferred disc.

Besides the ingenious mechanism, musical boxes also stood out for the artistry of their exterior decorations, featuring materials such as precious woods, mother-of-pearl, ivory, and metal.

The decline of musical boxes began with the invention of the phonograph (1877) and the gramophone (1887). Production continued for a while, but by the early 20th century, most renowned companies had abandoned the business and started manufacturing other mechanical musical instruments.

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Exhibitions

"Origami - the world tree"

November 9-25, 2023

Every year, on November 11, World Origami Day is celebrated.

Although the origins are still not well known, it is assumed that the 6th century would be the starting point of the art of origami, first in Japan, then it was spread throughout the world, "landing" on European territory somewhere between the 17th and XVIII. It is a specifically Japanese technique of folding paper, which can take various forms, from models of living creatures and inanimate objects to geometric, abstract figures.

Nowadays, the art of origami is appreciated by people of all ages, representing a form of artistic manifestation, but also a passion, in which creativity, imagination and patience play a very important role. Moreover, it has become art, which is part of pedagogy, being practiced in kindergartens and schools during manual work hours.

The temporary exhibition "Origami - the world tree", dedicated to World Origami Day, presents a series of pieces made, in classic and modular style, by children and members of the Origami Moldova Association, divided into:

- "Momijigari" - a beautiful Japanese tradition, which literally means "maple leaf hunting". It is a centuries-old custom of the Japanese people to admire the changing colors of the leaves in autumn. The landscape, which becomes a work of art, inspires many artists, poets and ordinary people.

- Origami has no age limits. During its 26 years of activity, the Origami Moldova Association has gathered around it people of different ages. This section displays works by adult members for whom origami is art therapy.

- The Japanese system for the development of the child's intellect, developed by the neurobiologist Kikunori Shinohara, is the priority direction of the origami technique in Moldova. The exhibited pieces are made by children guided by Lilia Socolova, the president of the Origami Moldova Association, who uses this method in the training process. Since 1997, his students have participated in various republican and international exhibitions, obtaining diplomas and appreciations.

The opening of the exhibition "Origami - the world tree" took place on 9th of November, at 12:00. The exhibition is organized by the National History Museum of Moldova in partnership with the Origami Moldova Association and will be accessible to the general public from November 9 to 25, 2023, in the ground floor hall, National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, 31 August 1989 street, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Musical Box, Switzerland, ca. 1880. Walnut wood, metal, glass

"Origami - the world tree"

November 9-25, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month