Rare Pair of French Art Character Dolls, Model 227, by SFBJ in Original Costumes

9 Watching

Live Auction

21" (53 cm.) Each is bisque socket head with rich ebony black complexion, dark brown glass inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, open mouth with smiling expression, row of porcelain teeth, black flocked hair (the girl with additional coiled topknot of curls), French composition and wooden fully-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: SFBJ 227 Paris 8. Comments: SFBJ, from their art character series, circa 1912. Value Points: very rare and flawless ebony black complexions, original body and body finish, the dolls are wearing original African prince and princess royalty multi-layered costumes, velvet cap and turban, and elaborate accessories including strands of leather prayer pouches. The dolls were featured in the book Rare Character Dolls by Maree Tarnowska, and in the Rosalie Whyel book, The Rose Unfolds, page 152.