French Bisque Poupee, Wooden Articulated Body, Extensive Trousseau, Original Label

Live Auction

30" (76 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, delicate complexion, brilliant cobalt blue enamel inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, shapely wooden body with defined derriere and waist, dowel-jointing at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, with original kid-over-wood at the knee jointing, bisque lower arms and well-shaped hands. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Au Paradis des Enfants (original Paris label on torso). Comments: French, circa 1865, the doll was discovered with her sister poupee in the attic of a French chateau near Dijon, France, preserved with her trousseaux and accessories. Both poupees have remained in the original family until this time; this particular doll was acquired from the prestigious Parisian toy store of Au Paradis des Enfants. Value Points: extremely rare grand size of the wooden fully-articulated body, with original superb bisque portrait head, original wig, original boutique label, and owning an extensive trousseau comprising five ensembles (one notable purple skirt with matching purple bonnet, ivory satin gown with added pleated cap, brown silk gown with fur wrap, one black silk ensemble with outstanding fur wrap having beaded and lace trim), along with rose silk slippers, blue woven slippers, two pairs of shoes, various accessories, hat box, cotton tablier with handmade rick-rack and various undergarments.