#115

American Brown-Complexioned Paper Mache Doll with Sculpted Hat, Possibly Leo Moss
Live Auction

Ended
$2,400
sold
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Description

15" (38 cm.) Brown paper mache socket head with hand-pressed sculpted detail, amber brown complexion, black tightly curled hair under sculpted red-ribbed stocking cap with turned up edge, amber brown glass inset eyes, sculpted brows, nose, closed mouth with shaded and outlined lips, composition and wooden ball-jointed body, nicely costumed in red cotton dress, undergarments. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: circa 1920, possibly the work of American folk artist Leo Moss who, according to oral tradition, worked as a doll maker using scrap materials from his house painting jobs. Value Points: despite its mystery origin, the doll has a compelling facial sculpture, unusual sculpted hat and hair, and fine patina.