These dolls had been held for layaway, but the first payment never came. They are being re-offered.
This simply wonderful piece was recently purchased out of a friend’s collection.
Quite charming and imaginative, the maker of this cloth doll and shoe vignette was both a skilled seamstress and artist.
All dolls are entirely hand sewn, covered clothespin dolls with rolled linen arms.
“Mother” – Measures 4 ¾ inches tall; wears a wonderful frock fashioned out of a red and natural shirting of the day with an apron and cap made of the finest cotton. Under that she wears a petticoat made of a bit heavier cotton sateen. Her water-colored features are skillfully done rendering her a sweet and caring soul.
Oldest girl child – measures 2 ¾ inches tall; wears a lovely blue/natural cotton frock with a fine cotton bonnet and petticoat. Her features are that of an older sister.
Boy child – measures 2 ½ inches tall, although his hat gives him an extra 1/4-inch of height. He wears a suit and hat fashioned of a red and natural striped shirting material of that time period. His facial features make him appear impish but sweet.
Baby girl – Measures slightly under 2 ½ inches tall; wears a dress and bonnet fashioned of a blue/mustard/natural plaid cotton shirting fabric of the day. Her features are wonderfully executed as well.
Their home, “the shoe”: measures 5 ½ inches tall by 9 inches long, and about 4 inches wide. The framework of the shoe feels like cardboard. It is covered by an entirely hand sewn a tan cotton sateen exterior and a cornflower and navy blue with white striped cotton shirting interior covering
Inside accoutrements include a pillow, small tied plaid cotton quilt and a natural and tan striped “toe-shaped” tied quilt.
Condition is excellent with minor signs of wear (mostly on the shoe) attendant with age and use.
This piece is a fabulous find in this world of cloth dolls. It is the kind of piece that simply takes your breath away upon first view. After our first gasp, we can then begin to appreciate the skill and talent of the artist who created it. We can then start asking the questions: Was it an autobiographical piece? Mom and her 3 children? Or, simply a storybook tale piece made for a beloved child? But alas, since we don’t know the name of the maker we will never know.
Price: SOLD
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