Very Rare Early German Mask-Face Papier-Mache with Original Elaborate Costume

Live Auction

15" (38 cm.) Applied to the front of a firmly-stuffed muslin head is a childlike plump papier- mache face with sculpted features,painted blue eyes,black upper eyeliner,accented nostrils and eye corners,closed mouth with little smile,rosy cheeks,painted feathering detail of hair around her forehead. At the back of the head is a stitched-on human hair wig in elaborately braided style with interwoven silk ribbons. The body is wooden with muslin cover on the torso,jointed hips,padded-muslin over wire frame upper arms. Condition: generally excellent,some minor typical craquelure on face. Comments: Germany,mid-19th century. Value Points: very rare and all-original construction of head and wig on the most appealing child doll,wearing elaborate all-original traditional costume and bonnet. The doll has a blue ribbon award from 1988 UFDC convention.