Posted 10 years ago
kiki17
(1 item)
This antique China Head doll is in rather delicate condition, but there appears to be a hand inscribed "8" inside the shoulder plate. This doll is a mystery, as I have never seen one with a two-toned complexion. Any help with identification would be greatly appreciated.
She is a Flat top China cira about 1860'-70's . I have seen some China dolls tinted to a more flesh color but not commonly done. Without holing her I would like to see if texture change from white to flesh tone . White would be the color you expect with blushed cheeks . She either did not fire right and a factory flaw or she had someone put a chemical on face to clean or a restore on her face . Hard to tell by a photo . Unique and interesting post.
From the 1860s and 1870s, to the end of the 19th century, the companies German....Alt, Beck & Gottschalck, C.F.Kling and Hertwig joined the ranks of china doll producers
great job... Manikin, as always ..
I also wonder if someone put varnish on her face for some reason and it turned yellow with age or old shellac ? Tell me if finish feels different also on right side of face by hair it looks whiter like a repair ok
I also wonder if someone put varnish on her face for some reason and it turned yellow with age or old shellac ? Tell me if finish feels different also on right side of face by hair it looks whiter like a repair ok
Amazing that she has her original clothes! I wonder, Mani if they had bleach on a rag? That may have turned the glaze yellow, I know it will turn plastic yellow...
shareurpassion No bleach would not hurt it . No more than if you put a china plate in it . I believe someone put varnish on her as she should be white and over the years it turned brown . These dolls are fired and color as well as paint and fired again with glaze , and I see what looks like a repair on side of head ?
Thank you so much for your reply Manikin! I cannot feel much difference in the glaze that would indicate that it was removed in any way, although the white glaze does feel only slightly smoother to touch. There is no indentation or visible line of any kind under magnifying glass. The flesh toned glaze appears fairly symmetrical. If a chemical were used I would imagine that areas that were rubbed wouldn't be so even. I'm very happy to have some information on this. It is up for auction on Tuesday. I hope it does well!
I believe from the photo this doll was made intentionally this way. There may have been a hat that came down close to the brow at one time for a lady in this circa would certainly have wore one of fine feathers, bows and with a brim. The borders around the painted area are equally made around therefore giving the face a more dimensional look.
It was a factory defect or altered they never made one like this on purpose .