This was my entry for a recent themed cake competition (Fairy Tale theme, Cake Challenge Malaysia 2014), and was my interpretation of the mechanical musical bird that competed with the sweet little nightingale for the Emperor’s affections in Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale.

An imperial Chinese music box with inlays of gems in cloisonne style, the panels on the box are of the 4 traditional chinese floral depiction of the seasons – plum blossom, chrysanthemum, lotus & peony. I also perched the little nightingale on the box, to provide the contrast between nature’s and man’s masterpiece. For the mechanical bird, I had fun incorporating elements from jewelery, oriental art & steampunk.

Was thrilled to be awarded 5th overall (the other categories were Fantasy and Visit Malaysia Year 2014), and Best Theme for the Fairytale theme.