Antique 23” German China Lady Doll Original Body Porcelain Arms c1860 Gown
Description:
A truly gorgeous antique German china lady doll dating to approximately 1860–1870. Measuring an impressive 23 inches tall, she has a fine-quality porcelain shoulder head with beautifully sculpted glossy black hair, a center part, and multiple tiers of deeply modeled ringlet curls. Fully modeled ears, delicate blue painted eyes, finely tapered brows, softly blushed cheeks, and a closed mouth give her an especially lovely and serene expression.
She retains her original antique muslin cloth body, with porcelain lower arms and beautifully shaped hands. Her legs feature striped fabric stockings incorporated into the body and wonderful early brown leather boots accented with tiny buttons. The boots are one of her most charming original details.
She is dressed in a dramatic, entirely handmade black gown woven with fine red stripes. The fitted bodice has an off-the-shoulder neckline, full gathered sleeves, abundant black ruching, and numerous tiny decorative buttons down the back. The very full skirt is lined and finished with rows of black trim. A small enameled bird brooch completes her presentation.
The gown was sold to me as antique and is certainly handmade in a period-inspired manner. However, because it remains in remarkably good condition, I cannot independently guarantee its age. It may be antique, made from antique materials, or a beautifully executed later costume. The lace-trimmed undergarments also appear older, although their precise age is unknown.
I did not completely undress the doll. Several of the small back closures were quite snug, and the fitted sleeves were difficult to ease over her porcelain hands. Rather than risk damaging the costume, its closures, or the doll, I left everything substantially undisturbed. The body and shoulder plate were carefully examined only to the extent shown in the photographs.
A grand and exceptionally decorative example, with a beautiful face, desirable large size, original body and arms, and a costume that displays magnificently.
Condition:
Very good antique condition overall. The porcelain shoulder head presents beautifully, with scattered tiny age-related specks and minor surface wear. There are a few small rubs or losses to the black finish of the molded hair. A fine vertical line is visible along the center of the molded hair; from the photographs, this appears consistent with a manufacture or mold line, but please examine the close-up images and make your own assessment.
The original muslin body shows expected age discoloration, spotting, loosened threads, and general wear. The porcelain lower arms appear intact in the areas examined. The leather boots exhibit age-related surface wear, rubbing, and creasing. The clothing has scattered age-related wear, loose threads, minor discoloration, and possible small imperfections, but it remains remarkably attractive and displays exceptionally well.
Because the fitted costume was not completely removed, portions of the body and porcelain concealed beneath it have not been fully inspected. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Measurements:
* Approximately 23 inches tall
* Circa 1860–1870
* German porcelain shoulder-head lady doll
* Original cloth body and porcelain lower arms
* Handmade gown of uncertain age
This is one of those dolls whose overall presence is much more impressive than a standard china-head doll—the gown, large size, beautiful coloring, and softly painted face make her a real centerpiece.
Please review all photographs carefully as they are part of the description.
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