Balloons Figurine Appraisal

Old Woman with Balloons or Fruit Figurine

This is a ceramic figurine depicting an elderly woman seated, holding a cluster of colorful, spherical objects that resemble either balloons or fruit, possibly apples or gumballs. The figurine appears to be made of glazed ceramic or porcelain, exhibiting a smooth, reflective surface. The woman is dressed in traditional attire, featuring a dark green shawl or cape draped over a reddish-brown garment. She wears a white apron over a lighter-colored skirt, which has a dark green trim at the bottom. Her head is covered with a dark bonnet adorned with floral designs in red and green, and white flowers. Her hair, visible beneath the bonnet, is depicted as grey. The facial features are finely detailed, showing signs of aging such as wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, conveying a sense of character and experience. The spherical objects she holds are in shades of dark red/maroon, yellow, and green, organized in a bunch, with her right hand seemingly supporting them from underneath, while her left hand rests on her lap. To her left, at her side, there is a small brown basket filled with what appears to be flowers or small fruits, hinting at a vendor or market scene. The overall style suggests a mid-20th century European folk art or commemorative figurine. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant damage, suggesting it is in good collectible condition, though minor wear consistent with its age might be present upon closer inspection. The craftsmanship appears to be of decent quality, with careful hand-painting evident in the details of her clothing, face, and the small basket.