$27,000
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Description
25" (64 cm.) Portraying an adult lady,posed upon a
golden-brown velvet-covered wooden platform is a
Papier-mache lady with rich black complexion,brown
glass eyes,articulated eyelids,slightly parted
lips with double row of teeth,black mohair
wig,carton torso and legs,and Papier-mache hands;
she is posed slightly-leaning forward as though
offering the vibrant flowers presented in her
decorated market tray. Yet when the mechanism is
wound and activated,the surprise is revealed.
Alternately,each of the three flowers lifts from
its hinged back to display a treasure beneath: in
one is a Papier-mache monkey who turns his head
side to side,blinks his eyes,and "chatters" by
opening and closing his mouth; in the second in a
little bisque girl who twirls around dancing; and
in the third is a white mouse who circles and
circles,chasing his tail. Meanwhile the flower
seller,herself,adorned in a richly costume of
silks and velvets (despite having bare feet!) nods
her head and blinks her eyes in a realistic
manner,and two different tunes play. There are 11
different movements. Condition: generally
excellent,functions well. Comments: Gustav
Vichy,circa 1885,he created several different
variation of the "surprise" theme,this being one
of the most lavish. Value Points: rare automaton
with wonderful movements,surprises and music,with
exceptional quality including superbly-modeled
womanÞs face,intricate detail of little surprises.