Petite Sonneberg Black-Complexioned Paper Mache Taufling Child

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10" (25 cm.) Black-complexioned solid domed paper mache shoulderhead with flat-cut neck socket, sculpted short tightly-curled hair, black glass eyes, black tinted brows, rounded nose, closed mouth, coral shaded lips, accented nostrils, black-complexioned composition shoulderplate, lower torso, lower arms and legs, bare feet, cloth midriff and upper limbs, wearing antique dress and undergarments. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Germany, circa 1860, the early taufling-bodied child was inspired by the mid-1800s Japanese daki-ningko whose articulated body paved a pathway for the European playable fully-articulated child dolls of 1880 and thereafter. Value Points: most precious little doll, not only for its historical importance, but also for its very dear particular presence. Private collection Lorna Lieberman.