English Wooden "School for Scandal" Doll with Elaborate Coiffure and Costume

7 Watching

Live Auction

27" (69 cm.) (including hair). All-wooden doll with bedpost-shaped head, shapely bosom, jointing at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, has round blue enamel glass eyes, curved painted brows, carved elongated nose, tiny painted lips, rouged cheeks, and a very elaborate original coiffure with layers of tulle-enclosed hair decorated with a multitude of silk flowers and leaves, wearing original silk brocade dress. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: English, circa 1930, a series of dolls representing characters from 1877 theatre play "School for Scandal" by Richard Sheridan were created at this time by Englishman Hugh Hugo; the dolls were notable for their elaborate coiffures. Three other examples are at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Value Points: very rare uniquely made doll with wonderful hair, amusing caricature-like expression befitting the original comedy of manners play.