SOLD Fabulous Large China Head Lady Doll 27" c1860s

Dolls : Antique : China Head

$750 USD SOLD
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The head on this doll is of CHOICE quality, 8" tall from base of shoulder plate to top of head, and has an unusually high gloss finish on her black hair. Her hair has another unusual feature in that the painted brush strokes are visible. I love this type of hair painting, as it is not common and it gives an additional dimension to the look of the hair.

The modeling and artistry of the head and of the facial features in particular are beautiful, with deeply exaggerated shading of the blue eyes with white highlights, partially-outlined irises, black lash lines, red lid lines, accented eye corners, oval accented nostrils, and slightly smiling mouth. Her cheeks are highly blushed and she has a lovely profile and molded eyelids and philtrum.

The original muslin body has some stamped numbering on the rear torso just below the waist (see photos) and has leather arms with individually stitched fingers. She wears leather boots with buttons and these were sewn closed many years ago. They appear to cover the original red leather boots which were likely stitched into the body. The tan boots, as shown, have been with the doll for many, many years, as they have a good deal of age as well and the stitching is very old.

She wears a beautiful, very flattering, vintage ball gown (newer than the doll) with lovely lace trim, a beautiful portrait collar which shows off her beautiful shoulder plate, and a beautifully fitted cuirass with longer postilions which are ruched and draped beautifully around the hips. The full length skirt has tiers at the hem which form a short train in back. The skirt has a water stain on the left side, which should easily soak out in Perk. She wears lace trimmed undergarments beneath. Her red glass beaded necklace is a beautiful finishing touch and is period.

Condition: Mint head with no chips, cracks, or repairs and only the lightest of wear to the most prominent of curls on the back of the hair; one arm has old stitched repairs, and both arms have about 1" of open seaming near where the leather meets the upper fabric of the arm. These are typical condition issues for leather arms and are expected in 150 year old leather.

Lovely example of a superior quality and impressively sized china head lady, beautifully dressed and ready to display in your collection.

Item ID: C-JA763

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Layaway available with monthly payments (one year maximum). Please arrange prior to ordering the doll.