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, January 15, 2015

But Pussy and I Very Gently Will Play. . .

I love little pussy,
Her coat is so warm,
And if I don't hurt her,
She'll do me no harm.
So I'll not pull her tail,
Nor drive her away,
But pussy and I,
Very gently will play.

Pussy has long existed as a double-entendre, both as an affectionate name for a cat or a girl and as a vulgar reference to female genitalia.  The Barrison Sisters created a entire act around their pussies and German companies produced risque bisque figurines portraying pulchritudinous ladies playing with their pussy. . . cats.  Dressed only in her chemise and black stocking, this femme and her frisky feline friend are part of a series of damsels in dishabille with their pussies peeking out from under or between their legs.  Incised with number that appears to be “6355” and a freehand red "14" underneath, this paronomastic pair is 2.5 inches long and 2.75 inches tall. 


Two more coquettes and their kitties from the same series.  I have yet to identify the maker, but they are of German quality.  The seated lady is 3 inches tall bisque and incised underneath with number that appears to be "4899" and a painted freehand black "14." Her reclining sister is 4 inches long and unmarked.


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