26” KESTNER CHINA Rare “wind-blown” short hair 1850s

Antiques : Dolls

 

This rare wonderful Kestner china is in excellent condition on a firmly stuffed cloth body with oil-painted ankle boots and carved wooden lower arms (milliner’s model-type): body is stitch-jointed at hips knees so she sits very well, shoulders are slightly floppy with the lower arms sewn on. The shoulder head has two sew holes front and back; the china is very smooth with no marks. Molded hair is painted black with wispy brush strokes at temples and forehead. Brows are low and nearly straight; pale blue eyes have dark outline at left sides plus highlights, pale coral eye dots and upper lid lines. Her cheeks are big blushed, nostrils have ovals rather than dots and the mouth is smiling with a space between the lips. These are all signs that point to Kestner manufacture. There are three freckles on her face adding character, and a thin hairline from left lower neck to back left shoulder, which only shows from the back and at the bottom. Her costume may be original, it is certainly antique and 1850s-period: long calico dress with tiny pink pattern, puffed sleeves, high waist and gauge-gathered skirt. Underneath are a chemise, pantaloons and two petticoats – all with varying trims for hemming. A few small stains on the dress cannot detract from the rarity and presence of this great doll.

Item ID: 319