Petite German Wax-over-Paper Mache Taufling Baby with Rare Wire Lever Sleep Eyes

Live Auction

9" (23 cm.) Solid domed head of wax-over-paper mache with painted tiny curls at the sides of face, brown glass eyes which open and close from wire lever in the torso, tinted brows, closed mouth, taufling body with paper mache shoulderhead and lower torso, cloth midriff and upper limbs, wooden lower legs and arms, composition hands and feet that are loosely jointed to simulate the articulation of a young child. Condition: very good, some typical rubs on wax, tiny nose ding. Comments: Germany, circa 1860, the taufling baby was inspired by the Japanese Ichimatsu doll exhibited at the mid-century international exhibitions, and came to be the progenitor of the articulated-body child doll that reigned from 1880 onward. Value Points: endearing petite taufling baby with rare lever sleep eyes, original costume, and presented in original wooden box.