A Victorian? Porcelain Woman's Head

I have never seen anything like this. It is a woman's head, made from porcelain as far as I can tell, and she is arrayed magnificently with a hat and gown. It looks like the material is all silk. The woman's eyes and lips are hand painted and it looks like there is natural hair wrapped under the hat. The head is mounted on a silk wrapped thin board lined with little stones. The detail is beautiful. It looks to be Victorian and is in wonderful condition. It is 3 1/4" long by 1 3/4" wide. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Think you would call her a half doll.

 

Thanks Bronwen, never heard that term before. Would you say that Victorian is the right time frame?

 

Possibly. Victorian taste survived Victoria's reign. When the porcelain doll was made may not be the same time she was dressed & turned into a decoration. This really isn't my field. I just know someone who collects half dolls & have learned to know one when I see one. Hoping one of our doll experts will drop in for a look. Members are spread around the globe. You never know when something useful will come in. Welcome to the forum, Steve.

 

@Christmasjoy

 

Wonder if she was always meant to be a "half doll".....there seems to be 2 cracks running across her face.....I still like her!!!

 

Her features are not very well defined. I suspect she is Japanese. Guessing 1930s.

 

Hi Steve!

Welcome to Antiquers..........

Half doll, pincushion doll (without the pincushion).

If you google the above types, you will find some really beautiful dolls.

You might find a mark on her lower back, under the cloth.

She is not well painted, and once you search, you will see the difference.

 

Thanks so much Judy!

 

Thank you clutteredcloset49!

 

Thank you Aquitaine