The Lynda Christian Collection
Sunday, November 21, 2010 | 4:00 PM Eastern
Auction closed.
The Lynda Christian Collection
Sunday, November 21, 2010 | 4:00 PM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
The Lynda Christian Collection of Neopolitan, Wooden, and Early Porcelain Dolls. This is part three of the Weekend's Auctions and will start immediately following Session II of The Kvitka Collection.
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Superb Neopolitan Man in Large Size with Superb Sculpting 1200/1700
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 80)
19" (48 cm.) His terra cotta head is turned sharply to the right, gazing into the distance, with exceptional detail of profile and facial planes, enamel eyes, incised age wrinkles, strong nose and chin, with sculpted long side-burns in front of each detailed ear, and bald pate above deeply-sculpted nape curls. There is a sculpted wart at his cheek, and a hole at the side of his mouth for the stem of the long pipe he is holding. His face is painted a shaded rosy color and beard stubble is evident on his cheeks and chin. The body is hemp-wrapped with terra cotta lower hands and legs, the fingers being very expressively posed. The man wearing his original silk costume with an elaborately gilt-thread trimmed jacket. Condition: original finish beautifully preserved, two fingers missing, two other fingers repaired. Comments: Neopolitan, early 19th century, the servant figure presents a fascinating melange, wearing his master's fine livery along with his own old mended stocking cap and stockings, his handsome face with intelligent-seeming eyes worn with age and worry. Value Points: the large model has superbly sculpted and preserved features with great expression.
An Exceptional Neopolitan Moorish Figure with Original Costume 1800/2300
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 80)
14" (36 cm.) Having a terra cotta sculpted head with angular features and pronounced cheek and jaw lines, pronounced nose with upturned tip, high domed forehead with furrowed brows, the brown-complexioned man has inset enamel eyes, closed mouth sculpted as though open, with beaded upper teeth, well-defined ears. He has sculpted brows, very full moustache, bald pate with an intriguing tuft of hair at the back of his head. His hemp-wrapped armature body has terra cotta brown hands with expressively-posed fingers, and lower legs with orange boots, and he is wearing a gold-thread embroidered vest with yellow silk pants and green silk coat. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neopolitan, late 18th/early 19th century, a retinue of Moorish figures surrounded the Kings in early presepio scenes. Value Points: rare early figure with extraordinary sculpting, original painting is flawlessly preserved, with an overall highly artistic presence.
A Beautiful Neopolitan Presepio Woman with Sculpted Blue Cap 800/1200
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 80)
12" (30 cm.) Having a terra cotta head turned strongly to the right, with sculpted deeply-comb-marked brown hair captured under a modeled blue cap with red border and bow, inset enamel eyes, rich dark complexion with blushed cheeks, chin and nose tip, painted brows, closed mouth in solemn expression. She has a hemp-wrapped body and terra cotta hands and lower legs, painted green stockings and orange shoes. Condition: generally excellent, three finger tips broken on left hand. Comments: Neopolitan from a presepio scene of an affluent Italian family, early 19th century. Value Points: very beautiful face with artistic painting of complexion and features, rare sculpted cap, and wearing her original richly braid-trimmed silk costume.
Neopolitan Presepio Woman with Highly-Characterized Expression 900/1300
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 80)
12" (30 cm.) Having a terra cotta head with very plump face, defined triple-chin, enamel inset eyes, brown sculpted hair combed loosely away from her face and captured in a coiled chignon at the back of her head, broad nose, painted brows, closed mouth with two painted teeth, modeled bosom. She has a hemp-wrapped body and terra cotta hands and lower legs with painted blue stockings and yellow shoes. Condition: generally excellent, some surface paint wear on her upper forehead, but finish is all original. Comments: Neopolitan, early 19th century, the woman depicts a young village woman with delighted expression. Value Points: wonderful expression enhanced by plump features, beautiful complexion, wearing original well-preserved costume of silks with silver and gold thread embroidery.
German Wax Creche Figure with Wooden Articulated Body 900/1400
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 80)
13" (33 cm.) Having a sculpted wax head of adult man with angular features, inset enamel eyes, aquiline nose, closed mouth modeled as though open with sculpted teeth, blushed cheek detail. His hair, brows, moustache and beard are also sculpted wax with comb-marked detail, and he has a wooden fully-articulated body with expressive wooden hands and painted stockings and shoes. Representing a priest, he wears a handwoven lace under-robe above a red woolen skirt, and a rich gilt-thread tunic whose red velvet breastplate is overlaid with gold sequins. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Germany, early 19th century. Value Points: very handsome figure with angular well-groomed features, fully-articulated wooden body.
A Remarkable Neopolitan Presepio Figure as Wise Man with Rare Accessories 2000/3000
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 80)
15" (38 cm.) Having a terra cotta head with high domed head, and bald pate, the distinguished figure has deeply sculpted facial features with brown enamel eyes, strong nose and cheek bones, sculpted ears, and a long grey flowing beard that matches his sculpted grey brows. His hemp-wrapped body has terra cotta hands with very expressive fingers and terra cotta feet with fancily-painted leggings. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neopolitan, late 18th/early 19th century. Comments: the figure was featured in article "Varieties of Creche Figures" by Lynda Christian (Antique Doll Collector, December 2009) with this note: "the hallmark of Italian figures is their extraordinary animation...many figures - like this wise man - have a look of astonishment...". Value Points: remarkable quality and detail of sculpted features with artistically blushed details enhanced by luminous patina, weaing his original turban with metal gilt crown, and elaborate silk ensemble with metallic thread and embroidery, rare belt, and very rare original dagger and dragon-head scimitar; the figure was awarded a blue ribbon at 2008 UFDC national convention.
An Extraordinary Neopolitan Angel with Carved Wooden Wings 4000/6500
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 80)
16" (41 cm.) Of terra cotta, the angel is posed with head turned to the right and gazing downward in a worshipful manner, having deeply-sculpted brown tousled hair with loose curls onto the forehead and nape, enamel inset eyes with heavily-modeled eyelids, aquiline nose, closed mouth with accented lips and two sculpted teeth, painted brows, nostrils, and cheek and chin blush, deeply-defined throat hollow, hemp-wrapped body, terra cotta hands with very expressive fingers and having defined nails and knuckles, and lower legs with defined toes, there is a hole at the back scalp for dowel-attachment of a halo (not included). Condition: generally excellent, all original finish. Comments: representing a male angel, the figure is from the presepio of a very affluent Italian family of the late 18th century. Value Points: the extraordinary artistry of the sculpting and painting are evident in its perfectly preserved state. The angel wears a gown of spun silver with metallic fringe, carries a rare early miniature silver censer, and has extraordinary painted and carved wooden wings (which insert dowel-like in holes at the back torso). The figure carries a blue ribbon award from 2008 UFDC convention.
Superb Early Grodnertal All-Wooden Articulated Doll with Carved Coronet 8000/12,000
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 80)
21" (53 cm.) Having one-piece carved head and torso with heart-shaped face, elongated throat and modeled bosom, the lady has painted facial features over gesso, and sculpted and painted hair that features a bevy of dainty ringlet curls onto her forehead and behind her sculpted ears, with a sculpted high decorative comb or coronet at her crown, painted brown outlined eyes with defined fringed lashes, painted brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with tiny pursed lips, blushed cheeks, pierced ear holes below the lobes, very long slender arms and legs with ball and socket joints secured by a peg, mitten hands with fingers scored in the wood, and painted stockings and shoes. Condition: fine original finish with some typical craquelure, body sturdy and well-preserved. Comments: Grodnertal doll, very early 19th century, with stylized body with high-waisted costumes of the 1820 era. Value Points: rare large luxury model with superb detail of sculpted and painted hair, original finish and articulated body, and wearing her original costume. The doll bears four blue ribbons from UFDC conventions.
Rare Grodnertal Wooden Doll Depicting a Man with Sideburns 1800/2500
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 80)
13" (33 cm.) The all-wooden doll has a one-piece head and torso of a very slender adult man, with heart-shaped face and elongated throat, brown sculpted hair with very deep combmarks, long sideburns in front of each sculpted ear, painted-over-gesso complexion with small blue downward-glancing eyes, single stroke brows, closed mouth with firmly-set lips, all-wooden body with articulation at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Condition: generally excellent, few flakes at back of hair. Comments: Grodnertal, mid-19th century. Value Points: rare gentleman doll, with brown hair and sideburns, he is wearing his superb original silk costume with plaid long silk tunic under blue silk tunic, with brown patterned edging, brown kidskin slippers, and wonderful magenta silk satin trousers.
Superb and Very Rare Early 19th Century Wooden Doll with Shapely Legs and Hands 12,000/16,000
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 80)
17" (43 cm.) One-piece wooden head and torso with perfectly-egg-shaped head ending in small pointy chin, resting upon a strong elongated throat with defined throat hollow, modeled bosom with carved definition of bodice edge, painted midnight-brown hair smoothly over the head with wispy tendrils of curls all around the forehead, sculpted ears, painted brown eyes, sculpted definition of eye lids, aquiline nose, closed mouth, dowel-jointing at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, beautifully-shaped hands, shapely calves with tiny ankles and slender feet, painted shoes, wearing a fine early high-waist dress. Condition: original finish is beautifully-preserved excepting rub on nose and chin. Comments: Continental, probably Obergammergau, early 19th century, Value Points: an especially rare early wooden doll, with compelling presence, original painted finish of face and hair, superb body. The doll has a blue ribbon award from 2008 UFDC national convention, and was featured in an article "Faith-Based Dolls" in Antique Doll Collector, December 2008.
German Carved Wooden Doll in Original Royalty Costume 1100/1600
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 80)
13" (33 cm.) Carved wooden head with well-defined eye sockets, aquiline nose, slender angular face, closed mouth with piquant smile, remains of original hair, all-wooden body with dowel-articulation at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees and having painted brown boots with grey tips. Condition: generally excellent, original painted with some typical patina rubs. Comments: Germany, early 19th century. Value Points: the all-wooden articulated doll with fine artistry of facial sculpting wears his original costume representing a King, with silver thread crown and matching fitted tunic over a skirt of plum velvet and gold silk. The doll has a blue ribbon award from 2005 UFDC convention.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Amah with Child 1200/1500
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 80)
11" (28 cm.) Carved socket head with sculpted black hair in simple coiffure, captured in a tight chignon at the back of her head, sculpted eye sockets and lips, tinted brows, pupils, and lips, smiling expression, cloth body, wooden hands. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920, depicted is the Amah (nanny) and her 5" young charge, also with carved wooden head and painted features. Value Points: each wear their original traditional costumes, hand-sewn at the Mission, the child with a delightful cap, still tied with original strings to the Amah.
Young Boy from Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Mission 600/900
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 80)
9" (23 cm.) Carved wooden head with sculpted definition of tiny eye sockets, broad rounded nose and lips, tinted eyes, brows and lips, painted black pate with drilled hole for queue which is now attached to his cap, cloth body, wooden hands. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: especially fine luxury costume of patterned silk tunic over cotton tunic and blue silk pants, slippers with upturned toes, silk cap with pom-poms.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Girl with Unusual Coiffure 600/900
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 80)
9" (23 cm.) Carved wooden head with very tan complexion, oval-shaped face with unusual expression, very tiny carved eyes with painted black centers, closed mouth, pale lips, carved ears, black painted hair pulled sharply away from her face with stippling details around her forehead, and forming into two coiled braids at the back, cloth body, wooden hands. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: rare model, the little girl with wonderfully-carved hair wears patterned cotton tunic with frog closures over cotton trousers and shirt, has beautifully embroidered silk slippers.
Rare Chinese Door of Hope Doll as Aged Man 900/1400
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 80)
12" (30 cm.) Solid-domed wooden head with deeply-carved facial features, very high domed forehead with sculpted age wrinkles that also appear under the eyes, sharp definition of cheek and jaw lines lending a somewhat gaunt look, grey painted brows, tiny black painted eyes that are looking downward, closed mouth. cloth body, wooden hands. Likely representing an aged philosopher, he has a painted black pate at the back of his head, and wears a black cap with attached human hair queue, black silk jacket, maroon silk patterned tunic with blue lining, dark blue silk trousers and black shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: very rare figure with superb carving, original richly-preserved costume.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Priest 700/1200
Lot # 15.1 (Sale Order: 16 of 80)
11" (28 cm.) Having carved wooden head with pierced holes at the skull, sculpted facial features with deeply-defined eye socks, painted black brows, carved definition of philtrum and nostrils, closed mouth with tinted lips, cloth body, wooden lower arms. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission doll, circa 1920. Value Points: the rare priest model with distinctive carving at skull, has his multi-layered original costume including cap and slippers.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Bride and Groom in Traditional Costumes 2000/3000
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 17 of 80)
10" (25 cm.) and 11". Each has carved wooden head with well-defined facial features and cloth body; the woman has angular face with sculpted and painted black hair drawn into a floral-bordered chignon at the back of her head, painted brows, dark eyes, closed mouth with red lips, with wooden hands; the groom with high-domed forehead, sculpted features, tiny eyes, very high domed forehead with small painted black pate, painted brows and lips, cloth arms. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920s. Value Points: the bride wears stunning red silk costume with embroidered dainty flowers, matching red slippers, and ornate head-dress with seed-pearl edging, and the groom wears purple silk jacket over blue robe, red leggings, blue boots, black cap with red embroidery and attached long human hair queue.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Doll "Chang the Farmer" 1100/1800
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 18 of 80)
13" (33 cm.) Carved wooden head with well-defined facial features, painted tiny eyes, brows, broad nose, closed mouth with full lips, carved hair with unusual coiled queue, cloth body, wooden hands posed to hold an object, carved wooden bare feet. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission doll, representing "Chang the Chinese Farmer", described in their catalog as being "carved from wood like ivory by a master Chinese craftsman" and having "gentle impassive features", circa 1920. Value Points: perfectly-preserved rare model with uniquely-sculpted coiled queue, wooden bare feet, and original costume of woven straw over blue denim work suit, woven hat and original wooden-handled metal rake.
Chinese Door of Hope Young Boy 600/800
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 19 of 80)
9" (23 cm.) Carved wooden head with defined facial features, small black inset eyes, black painted brows, closed mouth with smiling expression, black painted short hair with slight curls onto side forehead, closed body, wooden hands. Condition: generally excellent, some darkened stain on one side of face. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: wearing his original pale blue gown with black silk vest having elaborate button closure, undergarment with penciled Chinese letter markings, trousers, black shoes and cap.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Amah 600/900
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 20 of 80)
12" (30 cm.) Carved wooden head with oval heart-shaped face, darkened complexion with yellow design across the upper forehead that appears to be original, black painted hair with defined short forehead bangs, and then drawn behind her ears to form a coiled chignon at the back held by a carved hair pin, painted tiny black eyes, black brows, closed mouth with full lips, all cloth body. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: well-preserved early model, wearing her original (faded) lavender tunic with blue sateen lining, white sateen shirt, black under-dress and lavender trousers, with lavender slippers embroidered with pink edging.
Very Rare Chinese Door of Hope Doll Representing a Plump-Faced Smiling Child 800/1100
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 21 of 80)
8.5" (22 cm.) Carved wooden head with high dome and round chubby face, painted tiny black eyes, brows, closed mouth with smiling expression, painted fringe of hair around his scalp, cloth body. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: rare round-faced child model with most endearing expression, wearing blue silk tunic with patterned design, worn brown velvet vest, undergarments, red silk pants with gold silk borders and matching gold silk slippers, black cap. The doll has a blue ribbon award from 2009 UFDC national convention.
Chinese Door of Hope Doll Depicting a Young Boy 500/700
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 22 of 80)
8" (20 cm.) Carved wooden head with painted black hair in a side-parted style, defined wispy tendrils at the forehead, tiny black eyes, tinted brows, closed mouth, cloth body with wooden hands. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope doll representing a young boy, circa 1920s. Value Points: wearing original plum brocade silk long kimono under a pale rose vest outlined in aqua silk, bronze silk trousers with woven ankle ties, aqua silk embroidered slippers, and embroidered pink silk cap with pom-pom.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Man 500/800
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 23 of 80)
12" (30 cm.) Carved wooden socket head with tiny painted black eyes, tinted brows, closed mouth, oval-shaped face, black painted pate with long queue, cloth body. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920s. Value Points: wearing his original patterned blue silk gown over undergarments, pink trousers with tied ankles, rose silk jacket with extended sleeves and blue lining, and black slippers with upturned ties that match his black cap.
Chinese Wooden Door of Hope Girl with Charming Costume 500/800
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 24 of 80)
8" (20 cm.) Carved wooden socket head with angular features, painted tiny black eyes, feathered brows, closed mouth with pale lips, painted black hair in skull cap manner with defined center part and red hair clips, cloth body with wooden hands. Condition: generally excellent, some light spotting on tunic. Comments: Chinese Door of Hope mission, circa 1920. Value Points: the child has unusual painting of hair with ornamental clips, wears her original aqua short tunic with blue lining, undergarment, plum silk short trousers with aqua silk biding, blue embroidered silk slippers and a wonderful lavender cap with embroidery and three-color pom-pom.
Fine Early Carved Wooden Doll in Original Schwaben Costume with Hand-Painted Wooden Base 2000/3000
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 25 of 80)
14" (36 cm.) doll. 18" including coiffe and base. Carved wooden head with sculpted brown hair pulled away from her face and captured in a small chignon at the back of her head, painted brown eyes in well-defined sockets, brown eye shadow, strong nose, closed mouth with nicely-shaped lips, armature cloth-padded torso and upper limbs, wax hands, wooden lower feet. Condition: very good, complexion a bit darkened, wax hands very worn. Comments: Germany, early 19th century, costumed in the traditional garb of the Schwaben region of Germany in Bavaria. Value Points: the doll wears her original very elaborate folklore costume with superb coiffe and matching laced vest, silk blouse, skirt and apron, and posed upon her original carved wooden base decorated with painted flowers and the lettering "Schwaben".
