#734

French Paper Mache Polichinelle in Original Costume
Live Auction

$2,300
sold
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Description

34" (86 cm.) Paper mache head with highly characterized sculpting including long pointy nose and jutting chin, painted complexion and facial features, attached to original body with firmly-structured torso having classic large humps at front and back, straw-filled limbs, carved wooden hands, paper mache lower legs and shoes with upturned toes. Condition: very good, original facial finish quite well preserved with slight typical rubs, wears in costume fabric. Comments: French, circa 1880, Polichinelle has attached strings with brass bells for use as puppet. Value Points: exceptional size and originality of the legendary figure that virtually served as a symbol for the French toy industry for nearly a century.