Veselé Vánoce!

Most appropriate for the season is this charming treasure from our trove, a 24-inch tall vintage statue of the famous Infant Jesus of Prague. The original sacred santos is a wax-coated wooden figure of the Christ child dating from the 16th century residing in the Discalced Carmelite Church of Our Lady of Victories in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Like his Czech counterpart, this Infant holds in his left hand a globus cruciger (an orb or globe topped by a cross, signifying Christ's dominion over the world) and his right hand is raised in benediction. The original Infant is clothed by Carmelite nuns in beautifully tailored robes sewn from luxurious materials and our version is elaborately clad in a white robe trimmed with rows of lace, with a golden cloak draped over the Infant's shoulders. 

He wears an intricate filigree golden metal crown adorned with multicolored glass gems. Out of chalkware, his sweet solemn face is beautifully painted and he has inset blue glass eyes.

Legend holds that the statue originally belonged to Teresa of Ávila, also known as Saint Theresa. In 1556, Spanish noblewoman María Maximiliana Manriquez de Lara y Mendoza brought the figure with her upon her marriage to Czech nobleman Vratislav of Pernstyn. Her daughter Princess Polyxena von Lobkowicz donated the statue to the Discalced Carmelite friars in 1628. 

In 1631, during the Thirty Years' War, the friary was plundered and the Infant left on a pile of rubble, its hands broken off. When the friars returned in 1637, Father Cyrillus found the broken statue and knelt in prayer. He then heard a voice say, "Have pity on me, and I will have pity on you. Give me my hands, and I will give you peace. The more you honor me, the more I will bless you." The statue was repaired and given a place of honor. The Infant is credited with numerous miracles and healings.

Copies of the Infant are venerated by many Catholics throughout the world. In Ireland the Infant is thought to influence the weather and it is traditional for a bride to place a statue of the Infant in a window or garden to ensure fine weather on her wedding day.

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15634-472

Powerful Portrait

Carved from rich wood, this superb portrait is by Mexican artist Fidias Elizondo (1891-1879). Considered one of the finest sculptors in Mexico, Elizondo was a major influence in Mexican and Latin American art, mentoring many younger artists. Born in Monterrey, at the age of 17 Elizondo followed his dream of becoming at artist by traveling to Mexico City to study at the Academia de San Carlos. At the urging of one of his professors, in 1913 Elizondo traveled to Europe to study, arriving in Paris at the start of WWI. Although he spent much of his time working in the war effort to defend the city, it was in Paris that he created some of his first wood sculptures. After living in Barcelona and Argentina, Elizondo returned to Mexico in 1921. He was a professor at the Escuela de Pintura al Aire Libre and the Academia de San Carlos. Elizondo's most famous work is the monumental statue of Cristo Rey atop the Cubilete mountain in Guanajuato.

The sculpture skillfully portrays a man with tousled hair and an intense expression. The bust resembles a bronze portrait Elizondo created of Beethoven.

It is signed by Elizondo and dated 1936.

A note taped underneath carries some information, although it misspells Elizondo's first name and places his birth date at 1902.

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A Treasure by a Living Treasure

This wonderful woodblock print is by Hasui Kawase (1883 – 1957) a Japanese artist who was designated as a Living National Treasure by Japan in recognition of his contributions to Japanese art. Hasui was a proponent of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement, combining traditional Japanese subjects with elements of Western art, such as perspective and the natural effects of light and shadow. He studied under both traditional masters of ukiyo-e (the floating world) as well as Western-style painting. During his 40-year career, Hasui designed 620 prints, although he also worked in watercolor and oil. He is considered one of modern Japan's most important and influential printmakers.

Entitled "Benkei Bridge in Akasaka," this subtle and serene print is beautifully framed in faux bamboo. The wooden Benkei Bridge was a famous Tokyo landmark because of its beautiful Japanese design. It has since been replaced by a cement bridge.

 Hasui is the art name bestowed by one of his early teachers, Kiyokata Kaburagi, who specilized in traditional Japanese painting. In Japan it was traditional for a master of an art school or workshop to give a student his first art name, although an artist might use several such pseudonyms throughout his career.

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15634-29

Will You Walk Into My Parlor. . . .

. . . .said the Spider to the Fly,

“Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy. . . ."

The Spider and the Fly, Mary Howitt, 1829

This spectacular spider chair will certainly beautify even the prettiest parlour. The epitome of postmodern design, this rare chair was originally designed in the 1980s by the design firm Les Amisca for Quebec 69, a Canadian manufacturer of fine designer furniture. 

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15634-5

Extraordinary Umlauf

This large and striking signed lithograph is by Charles Umlauf (1911-1994), the renown American artist and sculptor and University of Texas at Austin art professor. Although best known for his sculptural works, which grace museums, churches, institutions, and private collections throughout the world, Umlauf did create a limited number of works on paper as well during his long artistic career. 

Born Karl Umlauf to a German immigrant family on a Michigan farm, his first name was Americanized to "Charles" in response to anti-German sentiment during WWI. In 1918, the family moved to Chicago. At the age of eleven, Charles began attending weekend classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. His talented was quickly recognized and he received a scholarship to continue his studies. Umlauf created several sculptures while employed by the WPA Federal Art Project during the Great Depression. A 1939 work in cast stone entitled "War Mother" resulted in Umlauf being offered a position as Professor of Life Drawing and Sculpture at the Art Department at the University of Texas. Umlauf taught the the University for 40 years, retiring as as Professor Emeritus in 1981. In 1985, the Umlaufs gifted the City of Austin with their Austin home, his studio, and 168 sculptures, which were the foundation of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.

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428-1299

 

March of the Toy Soldiers

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, which premiered in 1892, is a beloved Christmas tradition. The ballet includes the iconic March of the Toy Soldiers and the images of toy soldiers in brightly colored uniforms are now indelibly associated with the season. Just in time for the holidays, our  trove has battalions of beautiful vintage toy soldiers in their original boxes. 

 Each box carries the label "Soldat de Plomb historique," which translates as "historical lead soldier." The box promises the contents will "instruire en amusant" (will instruct while having fun). These amazing armies are attributed to the French maker Mignot, which was founded in Paris in 1825. Initially, the company produced trinkets and children's toys, but in 1838 began to produce toy soldiers. The company gained renown for its detailed and finely crafted lead soldiers and is still in production under the name CBG Mignot. These sets are believed to date from the 1930s.

The sets include everything from foot soldiers to mounted military men to colorful standard-bearers.

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 13981-12 to 18

Lady Madonna

This graceful and serene Madonna and child is a vintage figurine by the German company of William Goebel inspired by the artwork of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel (1909-1946).

Born Berta Hummel, after graduating from the prestigious Academy of Applied Arts in Munich, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen in 1931, taking her new name. Her drawings of children became popular after they began appearing on postcards in the 1930s. Goebel acquired the rights produce figurines based on Hummel's artwork, introducing the first Hummel figurines in 1935. Hummel figurines became popular in the United States following the end of WWII, when American soldiers stationed in Germany began sending the charming and beautifully crafted Hummel figurines home as gifts. This closeup of the holy mother and child shows both the artistic skill of Hummel and the fine workmanship of Goebel.

Hummel figurines carry a facsimile of her signature.

The mark on the bottom of the figurine features a drawing of a large bumblebee flying through the letter "V." In 1950, Goebel honored Hummel by changing its trademark to the bumblebee, as her name means "bumblebee" in German. The "V" stands for “Verkaufsgesellschat” (distribution company). This mark, called the "full bee" by collectors, was used until 1955. 

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15557-78

Folksy

This charming folk art painting is an original acrylic by Joanne Case, a California artist known for her meticulous and nostalgic paintings of simpler times. She was active in the 1980s and 1990s. This painting is from the Bill W. Dodge Gallery, which was operated by Dodge, himself a well-known folk artist, in Carmel, California from 1980 through 1999.  Case's works have appeared in exhibits and collections throughout the world and have been reproduced as jigsaw puzzles. However, her original artworks do not often appear on the market. This painting's petite size (approximately eleven inches wide) and oval shape appear to be unusual for this artist. The vibrant colors and delicate details are typical of Case's work.

The painting is signed by Case and has the original information leaflet from the Dodge Gallery on the back.

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11187-68

Statuesque

Statuesque describes a woman who is exceptionally tall and shapely. The words certainly describes this  large lovely lady carefully carved from wood and elaborately adorned with tiny mirrored tiles, glass jewels, and gold cord. She is mostly likely from Southeast Asian. Her tight-fitting hip-length jacket resembles the traditional Burmese htaingmathein. This buttonless jacket is worn over a chemise or bodice and paired with a wrap-around skirt called a longyi. The use of glass tiles or jewels as decoration is also typical of Burmese carvings. She carries a water jug in one hand. Perhaps she is preparing to take part in Thingyan, the Burmese new year, which includes a water festival in which participants playfully douse each other with water to help wash away last year's sins. 

Close ups of the detailed decorations on her elegant outfit.

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 14028-563

Vivat Regina!

Barbie by Mattel originally was meant to portray the all-American teenager, but over the years Barbie has had multiple careers and appeared in many roles. Our trove now has some true Barbie treasures, Barbie as European royalty, dressed in historically accurate and sumptuous costumes. These dolls are part of Mattel's Gold Label limited edition series, "Women of Royalty." This suitably majestic Barbie represents Queen Elizabeth I.

The elaborate costume was clearly inspired by the famous 1592 portrait of "Good Queen Bess" by Flemish artist Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger.

The resemblance to the portrait, including the detailed jewelry, is remarkable.

This limited edition doll was issued in 2004 and appears never to have been removed from from her original display box.

Here Barbie appears as the Empress Josephine, the consort of Napoleon, in her coronation robes. The elaborate gold embroidery includes tiny gleaming bees. The golden bee was long associated with French royalty and Napoleon chose it to represent his status as emperor and as a symbol of his legitimacy as the ruler of France

Her opulent outfit closely copies that worn by Josephine in Jaques-Louis David's 1807 painting, "The Coronation of Napoleon."

Issued in 2005 in a limited edition of 4,500, this doll is still in her original box and does not appear to have ever been removed.

does 

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3-1858, 3-1859

 

Joan of Arc, They are Calling You

Joan of Arc, Joan of Arc,

Do your eyes, from the skies, see the foe?

Don't you see the drooping Fleurdelis?

Can't you hear the tears of Normandy?

Joan of Arc, Joan of Arc,

Let your spirit guide us through;

Come lead your France to victory;

Joan of Arc, they are calling you. 

"Joan of Arc, They are Calling You" (1917),  

Jack Wells, Al Bryan, and Willie Weston

This superb sculpture captures Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc in French), French heroine and Catholic saint, as she rallies French troops during the final phase of the Anglo-French Hundred Years' War. Born in 1412 to a peasant family, she claimed to have received visions of the archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria instructing her to fight in support of King Charles VII and free France from English domination. At the age of 17, Joan met with Charles, then the dauphin. Charles granted Joan's request to be placed at the head of his army. After a series of victories, Charles VII was consecrated as king. However, Joan was captured in 1430 by a faction of French nobles allied with the English and handed over to the English for trial. She was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. Joan was later declared innocent by a tribunal authorized by Pope Callixtus III and canonized in 1920. 

The finely detailed sculpture beautifully portrays the young Maid of Orleans armored and ready for battle atop a spirited steed.

The sculpture is after a work by French sculptor August Moreau (1855-1915), renown for his romantic, allegorical, or historic images. He was a member of a celebrated family of French artists, beginning with his father, Jean-Baptiste Moreau. August exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and his creations were popular with the public, often reproduced in various sizes and materials.

Of bronze-clad spelter, the statue is stamped the back of the base "Fabrication Francaise * Made in France * Paris." This foundry operated from the 1890s to just before WWI. 

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230-8246

Marvelous Mesh Mandalian

This exquisite enamel antique handbag is from Mandalian Manufacturing Company, founded by Turkish immigrant Sahatiel Gabrabed Mandalian. Coming to the United States in 1890, in 1906 he entered into a partnership with Eugene A. Hawkins and started producing mesh bags as Mandalian and Hawkins. Mandalian became the sole owner of the company in 1915. Some say that the intricate designs on his handbags reflect the traditional designs found on rugs woven in his native Turkey. Of beautifully crafted metalwork with the company's patented "Lustro-Pearl" finish, this pretty purse would be a prize for any collector of vintage clothing or the perfect accessory for a Halloween flapper costume.

Mandalian was granted 14 patents from 1921 to 1935. While most concern improvements in the manufacturing and enameling of mesh bags and accessories, he also received patents for 

tap dancing shoes and an improved movie projection screen. 

Mandalian's sturdy and colorful purses were popular in the 1920s and 30s. In 1944 the company was sold to rival purse maker Whiting and Davis.

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15562-121

Goin' to the Chapel. . .

And we're gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel

And we're gonna get married

Gee I really love you

And we're gonna get married

Going to the chapel of love

"Chapel of Love," Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, 1963

This antique bride and groom are "all dolled up" and ready to go to the chapel of love. Dating from the 1910s, these Edwardian dollhouse dolls have heads and limbs of smooth rosy bisque, delicately hand-painted faces, and cloth bodies. If you are a collector of fine antique dolls or are looking for a unique wedding gift or wedding cake topper, this lovely and loving couple is waiting for you at Next-to-New.

Just 6 inches tall, the man wears a beautifully tailored tuxedo (as well as the most dashing mustache!) while his blushing bride is garbed in a gorgeous gown lavished with fine lace and ribbon. 

This nearly pristine pair are attributed to German doll maker J.D. Kestner. Founded by Johann Daniel Kestner in the 1820s, the company produced some of the finest and most sought after antique German dolls. Located in Waltershausen, in the Thuringia region of Germany, the company began by producing wood, paper mache and china head dolls, but by the 1880s, it was renown for its fine quality bisque dolls. Known as "King of the Doll Makers," Kestner offered a wide variety of dolls, from elegant ladies to pudgy babies. It produced entire families of dollhouse dolls, from grey-headed grandparents to pink-cheeked all-bisque children, as well as the necessary staff,  such as maids, butlers, and chauffeurs. The factory closed in 1938.

 

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15553-6