$3,300
Sold
sold
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Description
15" (38 cm.) Having a terra cotta head with high domed head,and bald pate,the distinguished
figure has deeply sculpted facial features with brown enamel eyes,strong nose and cheek
bones,sculpted ears,and a long grey flowing beard that matches his sculpted grey brows. His
hemp-wrapped body has terra cotta hands with very expressive fingers and terra cotta feet
with fancily-painted leggings. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neopolitan,late
18th/early 19th century. Comments: the figure was featured in article "Varieties of Creche
Figures" by Lynda Christian (Antique Doll Collector,December 2009) with this note: "the
hallmark of Italian figures is their extraordinary animation...many figures - like this wise man
- have a look of astonishment...". Value Points: remarkable quality and detail of sculpted
features with artistically blushed details enhanced by luminous patina,weaing his original
turban with metal gilt crown,and elaborate silk ensemble with metallic thread and
embroidery,rare belt,and very rare original dagger and dragon-head scimitar; the figure was
awarded a blue ribbon at 2008 UFDC national convention.