RARE Chinese Opera Doll_10.5"_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 back 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 silk costume is amazing in the detailed precision of the artisan, displaying various floral and nature items, as well as a "gargoyle" image on the front of the robe and "dragon" images on each of the sleeves.  The robe is also decorated with fur. The face and hands are hand-painted, showing the very long history of this fascinating piece, with chips on the nose and one ear.
The doll is antique and shows some discoloration, fading and wear. The doll bends at the joints. The headpiece is intricate painted to look like gold, and detailed decorations. The head, hands, arms, feet and legs are carved from wood.
There is a ribbon loop in the back of the robe where 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 his 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 1/2" tall including headpiece.
Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.