Complete and total love at first sight with this one, all of 2 1/2 inches tall; my favorite find of the week and one of my favorites ever. I purchased her from a wonderful Hudson River Valley based dealer, who very much shared my appreciation for her exquisiteness and had a hard time parting with her, as will I. Of New England we believe, and between her body and her dress (including the fabric of which, which I believe would be right to describe as hand-woven brocade), I have to think first quarter 19th century.
Doing some digging around, I realize she reminds me quite a bit of very early Grodnertal peg dolls in terms of shape and proportions--and black hair, too--but in miniature and made of homespun linen/flax rather than wood, and here with the hair embroidered. (Perhaps one of those, popular in the 1820s, inspired this folk version.) Looking closely, it seems likely she once likely had something in the way of (impossibly tiny) embroidered facial features too, with a few black stitches (silk I believe) remaining, suggesting eye brows. It is possible the pink ribbon around her chest has scooted up a bit, and there is a bit of cotton batting tucked inside her underskirt, but otherwise she appears entirely untouched, and in very beautiful antique condition. Photos give a good sense. My very favorite detail is the way the woven cloth of her arms comes to loose ends, perfectly evincing long fingers / fluttering hands. I think she is just completely marvelous.
2 1/2" t x 1 5/8" wide at skirt. Very beautiful antique condition, no losses I can see other than likely a few tiny embroidered stitches for her hair/face, Not fragile, not fraying, just perfect.
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