Rare milliner's hobby piece – Polychrome papier-mâché hat head, France, late 19th century

A rare and expressive milliner's mannequin depicting an elegant female bust, crafted from molded papier-mâché or boiled cardboard, coated, and then painted in polychrome.

This display mannequin was once used by milliners and hatters to exhibit hats, headdresses, or bonnets in their workshops or shop windows. The head, with its lifelike proportions, allowed for an appreciation of the volume and fit of the creations.
The face features delicately modeled details in the style of French folk art: large painted blue eyes, arched eyebrows, a finely drawn mouth, and a brown hairstyle framing the face. The yellow headdress is adorned with remarkable relief decoration simulating ornaments, medallions, and trimmings. The yellow bodice, also hand-painted, features stylized floral motifs.

The remarkable yellow headdress is further embellished with rich, applied relief decoration, partially openwork, composed of scrolls, plant motifs, rosettes, and a series of medallions. This ornamentation, possibly made from stiffened and polychrome antique trimmings, gives the puppet a particularly precious and unique presence.

The opening visible beneath the base reveals a completely hollow construction and allows us to identify the traditional technique of molded papier-mâché or boiled cardboard. This method of manufacture is characteristic of antique French puppets, especially those produced during the 19th century.
Attributed French work, late 19th century.
A very fine craft object that has become a collector's item, this puppet possesses a singular and poetic presence. It would naturally find its place in a cabinet of curiosities, a collection devoted to antique fashion, a hat shop, or a home seeking a sculptural object steeped in history.

Condition:
Used condition consistent with the age and function of the object.

Dimensions:
Height: 35.5 cm
Width: 19 cm
Depth: 14 cm

Ref: SZ0RS8YYPG