Outstanding German Wax-over-Paper Mache Lady by Dressel with Attached Collar and Painted Teeth

7 Watching

Live Auction

24" (61 cm.) Wax-over-paper mache lady with oval face turned slightly to the side, brown glass inset eyes, painted lashes separated by dark and red eyeliners, brushstroked brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with suggestion of painted teeth between the outlined lips, pale blonde mohair hair that is inserted around the forehead, forming a widow's peak and with attached braid and chignon, muslin body, wax-over-paper mache lower arms, and legs. Condition: very good, light craquelure and some fading, inset wig hair a bit sparse, few muslin repairs. Marks: Dressel (holz-masse mark and insignia). Comments: Germany, Dressel, circa 1870, maker uncertain. Value Points: an exceptional model from the "Staatsdamen" models of the 1870s whose rarity factors include unusual coiffure, brown eyes, painted teeth, very fancily-painted red boots with gold paper tassels and border, glued-on striped knit stockings, unusual shoulderplate with glued-on linen collar separating the waxed throat area from the lower paper mache shoulders with painted cream finish and ribbon trim, and wearing her original silk and cashmere costume, undergarments, original chemise, and with bone-handled fan with painted silk blades. The doll is shown in an article "High Society" by Estelle Johnston, Doll Reader, May 1996.