What a Doll!

This darling little doll is a Nancy Ann Storybook doll.  These endearing dolls came in a vast variety of elaborate outfits, many inspired by storybook tales and nursery rhymes. Of painted bisque, this charming child represents the old counting nursery rhyme "One two, buckle my shoe."  She is nearly pristine in her original polka dot adorned box. 

In 1936,  Nancy Ann Abbott began dressing small all-bisque baby dolls she purchased from Japan in elaborate layettes.   The dolls were so popular that the next year Nancy Ann Dressed Dolls was incorporated in San Francisco, California.  The company's name was changed to Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls Incorporated in 1945. Although originally the dolls were made in Japan, by 1939 they were being manufactured in California.  In the 1950s, the company was producing up to 12,000 dolls per day. The dolls were very popular with little girls to collect and display.  At one point the company boasted 125 different characters with outfits that were redesigned from year to year.  After 1948, the dolls began to be produced in plastic.  However, the popularity of the dolls began to fade and after Abbott's death in 1964, the company filed for bankruptcy.  

Polka-dotted boxes are standard for Nancy Ann Storybook dolls and a silver sticker describes the doll within.

Beginning in 1941, gold identification wrist tags were placed on the dolls.  This helps date this little miss somewhere between 1941 and 1947.

Most Nancy Ann Storybook dolls have painted slippers.  This little doll instead wears painted black boots with three white buttons.  This uncommon footwear is found only on three characters produced by Nancy Ann, One-Two Button my Shoe and the company's early Topsy and Mammy dolls.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Stirring Symbolism in Sterling

This superbly crafted and complex crucifix was created by renown Texas jeweler James Avery. Called the Creation Cross, this powerful pendant incorporates important symbols of Christian iconography surrounding the crucifix. At the base is the serpent, signifying the fall of man and the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The clusters of grapes and winding vines recall John 15:1–17, in which Christ describes himself as the true vine and his disciples and followers as the fruit. Continuing up, there are candles, representing spiritual light, and doves, which embody both peace and the Holy Spirit. At the top of the cross is the eye of the ever-present God, flanked by angels, who are his messengers. Nearly three inches long, this devotional design was retired by Avery in 2011.

On the back is James Avery's mark and "STER."  

Born in Wisconsin and raised Illinois, James Avery attended the University of Illinois, where he received a degree in Industrial Design. He then taught at the University of Colorado, where he first began experimenting with jewelry making.   In 1954, Avery and his wife visited Kerrville, Texas, and it was there Avery decided to begin designing jewelry. By 1957, he mailed out his first catalog and in 1965 the company was incorporated as James Avery Craftsman, Inc.  Many of Avery's designs were inspired by his deep Christian faith.  Demand for Avery's handcrafted jewelry grew and two years later the company built its headquarters on 20 acres of land in Kerrville. Avery passed away in 2018 and his family continues the jeweler's dynasty, with 83 James Avery stores in five states. Today, James Avery jewelry continues to be crafted Texas.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

7499-185

Roses in Repoussé

This superb sterling silver compote is from the Maciel Silver Factory, which was based in Mexico City from 1930 through 1970.  The company was renown for its high quality hand hammered sterling  tableware, flatware, and jewelry. 

The floral pattern is known as Aztec rose.  The roses are in repoussé, meaning that they were hammered into relief from the reverse side.

Underneath the compote carries the Marciel mark.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15008-56

The Big Six-Oh!!!

Ulrike and Resident Pomeranian Cha-Cha remind everyone to come by and help Next-to-Next celebrate its 60th Anniversary on Saturday, October 19th, from 10 AM to 2 PM.  There will be prizes, coffee and treats from St. David's Holy Grounds Coffee Shop, live music (of course, this being Austin), a volunteer photo booth, and information about volunteering.  As always, all profits will be given back to the community!  Cha-cha promises that everyone will have a doggone good time!

Traditional, Yet Timeless. . .

. . . is how one could described this stunning pendant signed by Navajo artist Artie Yellowhorse.  Sculpted in shining sterling silver, this dazzling dogwood flower dangles from a red leather cord.

Artie Yellowhorse is a third-generation Navajo silversmith, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.  She combines traditional Navajo silverwork and contemporary design, creating gleaming pieces that are truly wearable art.  Her shimmering stylized dogwood blossoms are one of her signature designs.     

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

5402-1747

Piety in Porcelain

In Christian iconography, a pietà (the pity) depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the the body of her son, Jesus following his crucifixion.  This solemn and moving interpretation is by the famed Spanish porcelain company, Lladró.  Designed by Sculptor Salvador Furiã and entitled "Piedad" (Piety), this poignant porcelain figurine (model number 5541) was issued in a limited edition of 1,000 in 1989 and retired in 1991.  It sits on its original wooden base and carries the company's mark. 

A closeup of the exquisitely modeled and expressive faces.

Lladró was founded in 1953 by three brothers, Juán, José, and Vicente Lladró.  Encouraged by their mother, the brothers were educated at the Valencia School of Arts and Crafts, where they studied sculpture and painting. They first began with a kiln they built at their parents' home, producing ceramic flowers and decorative items for sale in the local market and by 1956 the brothers began creating the sculptural figurines for which Lladró  has become world famous.  After expanding their workshop several times to meet growing demand for their porcelains, the brothers in 1958 relocated to a factory in Tavernes Blanques, where Lladró still resides today.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15004-47