REDUCED Superb Circa 1800 French Carton Moule Papier Mache Doll

Antiques : Dolls : Papier Mache

 

What a wonderful early rare doll! This is an extremely hard to find antique doll. She is a 17" French carton papier mache doll. These dolls were made during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The upper body is carton covered with kid skin from bosom to waist. The upper waist fits down into the kid covered lower body. The arms are also kid, with simply carved wooden hands inserted at the wrists.

When I first got this doll I assumed that the face was repainted. I was very surprised to find that the paint does not fluoresce under black light. Usually when such a doll has been repainted it can be detected under black light. Still I find it hard to believe that the features could possibly be in such pristine condition after so many years. So though I cannot see any positive proof that it was repainted I will not rule it out.

She came to me wearing what I thought was a rather peculiar outfit consisting of a lace dress with purple lining and a rather extravagant poofy purple hat. I was surprised to find a version of that dress pictured in the 1970 book "Wonderful Dolls of Papier Mache" by Jo Elizabeth Gerken on page 171 (see photos excerpted from the book). Obviously someone copied that outfit for this doll. This outfit will come with her. In addition, on page 161 of the same book is a similar French carton moule doll shown. The author refers to these dolls as Sabula.

I was fortunate to find a doll dress to garb this doll that dates from the early 1800s Empire period and fits reasonably well. It is an authentic antique garment from the correct period. It does have a few flaws. The silk of the sleeves and ruching is fragile and beginning to shatter.There are a couple of tears in the thin cotton print body of the dress. I felt that the rarity of even finding such a dress out weighed its defects. I left the plain under shift that came on her underneath.

I provided her with a simple short skin wig and lace mob cap, but chose not to glue it in place. Instead I resorted to holding it on with a lace chin strap, making it easy to remove this head gear if needed.

This is truly a rare and museum quality doll. You seldom see the French carton moule dolls, and this one's condition is remarkable.

Item ID: Fcarton408

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