Elderly Woman Art Appraisal

Figurine of an Elderly Woman Knitting

This item is a glazed ceramic or porcelain figurine depicting an elderly woman seated in a chair, engaged in what appears to be knitting or needlework. Physical characteristics include an approximate height of 6-8 inches, judging by its proportion to the hand holding it. The figurine is crafted from what appears to be earthenware or fine ceramic, finished with a glossy glaze. The color palette primarily features muted tones: a deep purple dress, a brown or tan shawl, blue sleeves, and the natural light brown/tan of the chair. The woman's hair is grey, and her face exhibits a light skin tone, with red applied to the lips. Notable features include finely sculpted details illustrating the woman's facial expression, hands, and the folds of her clothing, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. She holds what looks like knitting needles or a similar tool in her hands, with a light green or teal piece of 'fabric' resting on her lap and the arms of the chair. The chair itself is a simple brown wooden design. The figurine appears to be in good overall condition, with no immediately visible chips, cracks, or repairs. The glaze appears consistent, suggesting original condition without significant wear or damage. The base on which the chair rests is a darker brown, possibly with a reddish undertone. While no specific maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided images, the style suggests it could be a piece from a well-known ceramic manufacturer like Royal Doulton, Lladro, or similar, often crafted in the mid-20th century or later. The naturalistic yet slightly idealized portrayal of the figure points towards a style period that emphasizes domestic comfort and traditional craftsmanship. The quality of the molding and hand-painting indicates a mass-produced item of relatively good quality, likely intended for decorative display.