Postcard Image

Postcard Image
As the Victorian era passed into the Edwardian and Roaring Twenties, a market developed for bisque and china bawdy novelties and figurines of women in revealing outfits. Although now most of these figurines seem more coy and cute than ribald and risque, in their time they symbolized the casting off of the perceived restraints of the Victorian era.

These little lovelies included bathing beauties, who came clad in swimsuits of real lace or in stylish painted beach wear, as well as mermaids, harem ladies, and nudies, who were meant to wear nothing more than an engaging smile. Also produced were flippers, innocent appearing figurines who reveal a bawdy secret when flipped over, and squirters, figurines that were meant to squirt water out of an appropriate orifice.

Most were manufactured in Germany from the late 1800s through the 1930s, often showing remarkable artistry and imagination, with Japan entering the market during World War I.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Bathing Beauty of the Day; Day 34

 
Ms. #399 is a good-time gal from the German firm of Schafer and Vater, known for its portrayals of  boisterous belles in black stockings.  The 5.5 inch tall bisque vase (there is an opening behind the champagne glass) carries a faint imprint of Schafer's crowned sunburst on the bottom.  "Champange Girl" was one of the nicknames given to the very voluptuous stage star and comic actress Trixie Friganza.  Trixie began her stage career in musical comedies in 1889, but soon transferred her ample talents and figure to vaudeville.  She also had a brief career in early film, until health concerns forced her to retire.  Whether this vase was a tribute to Trixie or just any party girl is something known only to the long-departed designers of Schafer.

I will not be posting this Friday or Saturday, so please check back on Sunday!


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