Outstanding Large Early Grodnertal Doll with Rare Style and Painting of Coiffure

Live Auction

26" (66 cm.) All-wooden carved doll with perfectly-ovoid shaped head having surmounted carved wooden comb with scalloped rim and gold banding, elongated throat, piquant nose, sculpted ears, modeled bosom, black painted hair with exuberantly painted curls around the forehead and sides of face, painted complexion and facial features, outlined downcast eyes, brows, closed primly-shaped mouth, unusual dowel-jointing at the waist, dowel-jointing at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, spatula hands, painted orange shoes. Condition: original painting of face and hair is well preserved, rubs to paint on throat, front of right foot is missing, otherwise excellent. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1820. Value Points: rarity factors of the doll include its unusual sculpted comb, painted curls, waist construction, and grand size. The doll owns its original costume of high-waisted cotton day dress and undergarments. Provenance: collection of Lila Rait and featured in her book Through the Nursery Window (a copy of the book is included).