$11,000
Sold
sold
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Description
24" (61 cm.) to top of mirror. Posed in front of her lavishly-fitted dressing table with ormolu-capped richly-draped lace curtains is a bisque-head lady with blue glass enamel eyes, delicately-painted lashes and brows, closed mouth with accent lines, pierced ears, elongated blonde mohair wig in original ringlet curls, bisque shoulderplate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms and wearing an original very luxurious silk gown with embroidered flowers, undergarments, and silk shoes. The dressing table is laden with various toiletries and accessories and she holds a powder puff in one hand and a mirror in the other. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism functions well. Marks: (original two-tune label under table). Comments: Vichy, circa 1865. When wound and lever released, the lady lifts her head, turning side to side as though admiring herself, alternately powdering her nose and gazing into the hand mirror, while leaning forward which consequently emphasizes the embroidered detail of her gown; all the while music plays. Value Points: the luxury origin of the very rare automaton is emphasized not only by the intricate and realistic movements and music, but also by the extraordinary details of her costume and coiffure.