$3,750
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sold
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Description
20" (51 cm.) Standing upon a velvet-covered wooden base is a bisque-head doll with blue glass inset eyes, dark eyeliner, brushstroked brows, painted lashes, closed mouth with outlined lips, carton torso and legs, bisque forearms, wearing Russian traditional costume with elaborate gold braid and passamenterie, pearl dangle necklace and velvet headdress with faux-jewels; when wound, she turns her head from side to side as though offering tea, lifting the tea pot and turning her arm as though pouring, then extending the tray in her right arm, and, finally, nodding her head up and down approvingly. Music plays. Condition: generally excellent, music and mechanism function well. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG. Comments: Leopold Lambert, circa 1890, appearing in the Lambert catalog as Bebe Russe, No 42. During the mid-1890s Paris was fascinated by the Russian royal family who visited the city a number of times; this automaton was among the luxury objects created in response to this interest. Value Points: all original automaton with lavish costume and accessories, with intriguing historical connection.