Outstanding 18th Century German Wooden Doll with Decorated Original Box

Live Auction

21" (53 cm.) The all-wooden doll has one-piece head and elongated slender torso with shaping of bosom,heart-shaped face with elongated throat,elaborately-carved curls in high beehive arrangement with four painted curls onto the forehead,painted complexion and facial features,shaded blue eyes with fringed upper lashes and brows,closed mouth,blush spots on cheeks,chin and ears,slender limbs with ball dowel-jointing at shoulders,elbows,hips and knees,defined fingers,shapely calves and ankles,painted green shoes with slight wedge heel,wearing early silk dress with crewel embroidery detail,and owning an additional green silk coat with matching bonnet designed to accommodate the voluptuous coiffure. Condition: generally excellent,original finish with some light craquelure,tiny nose tip rub. Marks: (pen dated 1790 on right thigh). Comments: Germany,late 18th century. Value Points: the outstanding doll is wonderfully-preserved,her aristocratic presence ensured by very fine sculpting of hair and profile,dated mark,superb costume,and presented in her original paper- decorated box. The doll bears a blue ribbon award and is shown in Coleman's Encyclopedia of Dolls,Volume II,page 1215.