$8,000
Sold
sold
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Description
16" (41 cm.) A 15" x 8" velvet-covered wooden platform displays two bisque dolls standing
behind a wooden counter with lithographed paper cover to simulate tile. The larger doll has
blue glass paperweight eyes,dark eyeliner,painted lashes and brows,closed mouth with nicely-
shaped lips,pierced ears,original blonde mohair wig over cork pate,carton torso and
legs,bisque forearms,and is wearing her original maroon silk dress with silk apron,cap,leather
shoes; and stands at the burner plate which has a paper mache crepe on top. Her young
helper has bisque socket head,glass eyes,closed mouth with modeled tongue tip,carton body
hinged at the waist,bisque hands,and stands behind a pile of crepes that are ready to be
served. She holds a spoon and knife and the little boy holds a sugar shaker. When
wound,music plays,she turns her head side to side,and alternately works the crepe,and
reaches with her spoon to add more batter to the pan; the little boy,meanwhile,leans forward
and back,appearing to sprinkle sugar onto the crepes. Condition; generally
excellent,mechanism and music function well,the presentation appears to be all-original.
Comments: attributed to Louis Renou,whose automaton firm specialized in these charming
vignettes of daily life. Value Points: beautifully-preserved automaton with rare theme and
amusing activity.