RARE Chinese Opera Doll_10.25"Elaborately Hand Embroidered + Painted_1800-1920's

Description

RARE and unusual antique Chinese Opera Doll
from the early 1900's.
Antique Chinese Opera Dolls, ca. late 1800s ~ 1920, are typically wearing a silk costume decorated with embroidered Chinese motifs. Usually the head of the doll is removable so that during opera puppet shows,
costumes
were easily changed. This head appears to have been glued on, and in fact there is evidence at the side of the neck of a shiny spot, apparently dried glue.  The face is delicately hand painted.
The tradition of Chinese puppetry originated during the Han Dynasty, and g
rew throug
hout the Tang, Song and Qing dynasties.
The elaborately hand embroidered costume is amazing in the detailed precision of the artisan, displaying beautiful floral and nature items, and decorated with ribbons, fur, all atop a stunning green, "velveteen" looking fabric  There are artist markings on the underside of the robe.  The face and hands are hand-painted, indicative of the age of this lovely piece, with a chip near the nose and the paint appears to have been rubbed off on the tip of the nose.
The doll is antique and shows some discoloration, fading and wear. The doll bends at the joints. The headpiece is intricately painted and detailed with decorations which include metallic
items.
The head, hands, arms, feet and legs are carved from wood.
The velveteen-type fabric is rubbed away in the back where presumably a bamboo pole was inserted to move the doll in the opera performance.
Due to the age of the item, we have not attempted to clean the
doll or her costume.
PLEASE VIEW ALL PHOTOS CAREFULLY.
We are happy to send additional photos of any details of which you'd like a closer inspection.
Please ask any questions you might have and we will try to answer.
Condition is "Used".
Doll measures at 10 1/4" tall including headpiece.
Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.