$8,500
Sold
sold
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Description
24" (61 cm.) A petite 14" bisque-headed doll with brown glass paperweight eyes, beautifully painted features, closed mouth, blonde mohair wig, slender carton torso and legs, metal upper arms, bisque forearms, silk and lace costume including slippers and cap, is balanced on one foot, posed upon a blue paper mache globe, her other foot posed freely as though merrily dancing, and her arms waving a French flag and silk ribbons in the French national colors. The paper mache globe is decorated with blue velvet stars and is attached to a blue velvet-covered base with gilt metallic and blue cord trim. When wound, music plays, and she appears to dance and then re-balance on the globe which tips back and forth (see photo of hidden groove). Meanwhile her torso leans side to side, her head alternately leaning and her right arm waves the ribbons. Condition: generally excellent, faint hairline at side right neck rim (under lace collarette), mechanism and music function well. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau 1 (head). Comments: French, circa 1889, the automaton was likely inspired by the 1889 International Exposition in Paris, the little girl appearing to invite people to the fair, while celebrating her host country of France. Value Points: very rare automaton, of which few are known to exist, with charming presence and movements.