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, November 10, 2016

An Extremely Elegant Edwardian

This fabulous 11 inch tall bisque fashion lady by Galluba and Hofmann has managed to retain both her elaborate mohair wig and her intricate Edwardian gown of silk and lace for over a century.  The light brown mohair wig is twisted into a braided bun, adorned with pearls and plumes. Her gown, although a bit yellowed and tattered, shows the delicate details that Galluba lavished on its fashion ladies, from the lined lace bodice to the tiny bead "buttons."  Her graceful arms have been left white to long represent gloves and she has matching molded white high-bottom boots.  Underneath she no doubt wears the molded combination undergarments typical of Galluba.  There are no visible marks.



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