Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Meissen Dancing Girl and Made in Japan Lady with Parrot Porcelain Figurines



This dancing girl is so finely made she appears to be ready to step off the base and skip across the table. A lovely Meissen piece from the 18th or 19th century I believe. Not being an expert, I'm not sure how to date her, but her marks and her quality, establish her as Meissen. Although I'm not particularly drawn to figurines, the movement in this little lady drew me from across a room. She was tucked in the corner of a large case used to display jewelry at a local thrift and she caught my eye when I walked in the door.

But, have to admit that the following lady also caught my eye. Another thrift, another day - but she grabbed my attention in the same way.



Made in Japan by Trico, Nagoya, Japan, she's rather crude compared to the Meissen piece. What should be a hair comb is painted the same color as her hair and you can almost imagine the color of her gown was chosen so they could paint the parrot and her gown all at once! She may be no match quality wise, but I find her just as charming. Her original mold was done well catching her perfectly in a small step forward, almost as if she was attempting to hear something or looking to see who her visitor was. And strangely painted hair or not, the fact that she's a red head makes her rather unusual.

These ladies are why I will probably never be a serious antique dealer. Definitely have the "eye", but that same eye is just as drawn to the low end treasures as it is the high end ones!