French porcelain doll ‘Bébé’, Paris, France, 19th–20th century

French porcelain doll, possibly a ‘Bébé Joanny’ (c. 1882–1885). With an impeccable solid bisque head engraved with the incised signature ‘J’, fixed blue paperweight glass eyes and thick eyebrows. Original articulated composite body with severe flaking on the fingers of the left hand; dressed in a white openwork gown with period lace. Marked ‘5 1/2 J’ on the nape of the neck. Wear to clothing and hands. Visible fastenings on the shoulders.

Size: 45 cm

- Large private Spanish collection.