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.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Bathing Beauty of the Week

Ms.  #453, lovely in lavender, lounges on a little loveseat, joined by a feline companion.   I am not sure what she is holding up against her head; perhaps it is an icepack, soothing the result of too much partying on New Year's Eve.  Of good quality bisque and finely detailed and decorated,  this pretty miss and her pussycat are 3 inches long and high.  Her flowing gown is edged with applied porcelain lace.  There are no marks, but this piece is of fine German quality.

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