$10,500
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sold
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Description
11" (28 cm.) (to top of hat). Papier-mache shoulder head with heart-shaped face,black
sculpted hair with ornate chignon captured under an elaborate shell bonnet with a bouquet of
shell flowers,stippled detail of hair around the forehead,painted facial features,large blue
eyes,black upper eyeliner,single stroke brows,firm structure torso,wooden lower arms and
legs,painted blue shoes,posed upon original paper-covered base which is attached to a base
with blown glass dome. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: circa 1850,using German
papier-mache head,the fishermen of Brittany created these delightful shell concoctions during
the winter months; this example depicts a "she sells sea shells" peddler lady with very ornately
designed dress of tiny colored seashells,holding a market tray of seashell flowers. Value
Points: intricately and artistically constructed in a remarkable state of preservation.