#332

French Bisque Bebe Teteur by Leon Casimir Bru, Exhibition Size with Provenance
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Ended
$3,750
sold
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Description
23" (58 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, large brown glass paperweight inset eyes, thick dark eyeliner, painted lashes, rose blushed eye shadow, brushstroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners and nostrils, parted lips with "O"-shaped opening, blonde mohair wig, cork pate, metal screw at back of head which was designed to operate the sucking action of the bottle nipple when placed in mouth, kid bebe body with kid-over-wooden Chevrot hinged hips, wooden lower legs, kid over wooden upper arms, bisque forearms, early cotton and lace baby gown and bonnet. Condition: restoration of shoulderplate, back of head, and left hand. Marks: Bru Jne 9 (head) Bru Jne No. 9 (shoulders) (partial Bru label on torso). Comments: Bebe Teteur, Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1880. The doll is shown in the book, Through the Nursery Window by Lila Rait, and its provenance is told. The original owner, Lorna, was the daughter of a prosperous Scottish family who had come to Australia about 1850; it is believed that the doll was presented as an exhibition model at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880 and was acquired by the family from there. Value Points: extremely rare size of the Bebe Teteur, indicating its probable use as an exhibition doll, with great presentation, beautiful facial complexion, sturdy original body and costume. A copy of the book is included.