$5,000
Sold
sold
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Description
15" (38 cm.) Standing at an upright wooden piano is a bisque-head bebe with blue glass paperweight inset eyes, long painted lashes and brows, closed mouth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, paper mache hands, purple velvet dress with lace, undergarments, shoes; the piano has elaborate ormolu candlesticks, music rack and handles, silver basket with silk flowers, and faux keys. When wound, music plays, the girl turns her head side to side and moves her hands up and down "playing" the piano. Condition: generally excellent, music and movement function well. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 3 (and artist checkmarks). Comments: Vichy, circa 1890. Value Points: well-preserved parlor automaton with wonderful luxury details of piano, pretty music, charming petite size, and original presentation as a rare luxury candy box, the lid lifting for access to the surprise bon-bons.