$1,700
Sold
sold
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Description
10" (25 cm.) (including hat). Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate,almond-shaped blue enamel eyes,outlined eye sockets,delicately-painted lashes and brows,closed mouth with center accent line,ears pierced into head,blonde mohair wig over cork pate,kid poupee body with gusset-jointed hip,wearing beautiful antique silk,brocade and velvet costume with matching hat. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 2/0. Comments: French,circa 1870,the fortune telling lady (or femme a bonne aventure) was popular throughout the 19th century and emblems such as this doll became popular themes in luxury salon gatherings. Value Points: hidden under her skirt are hundreds of folded papers which open to reveal delicate hand-written fortunes in French; this particular example has unusually lengthy omens in beautiful penmanship. One example (translated) says wisely "Do not search for a friend without faults or you will die without knowing the joys of affection".