Lot 67: A Collection of Early 20th Century Porcelain Pincushion Dolls and Half-Doll Torsos
An assortment of porcelain half-dolls and complete pincushion dolls, appearing to date from the early 20th century. The collection includes complete pincushion dolls and loose porcelain torsos designed for attachment to boudoir accessories such as tea cozies or decorative boxes. The largest complete example features a glazed porcelain torso of a lady wearing a wide-brimmed pink hat and holding a flower, mounted onto a large pink satin-covered pincushion base with lace and metallic braid trim. Another complete example features a smaller figure with a beige fabric skirt base. The loose torsos are constructed from a mix of glazed porcelain and bisque ceramic, decorated with hand-painted overglaze enamels in pastel shades of green, pink, and blue. Subjects include figures in 18th-century style dress, a figure holding an open yellow fan, a figure with a large grey coiffure wearing a purple hat, and a figure in a blue dress with a matching floral-trimmed hat. Several of the loose torsos feature circular mounting holes at the base. No maker’s marks or model numbers are visible.
Condition report:
The fabric pincushion bases on the complete dolls show significant signs of age, including heavy staining, soiling, and fraying to the lace and trimmings. The porcelain figures generally appear to be in good condition, although minor, unobtrusive chips may be present on extremities such as fingers or hat brims. Prospective buyers are advised to inspect for fine hairline cracks or old repairs.
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