Shush Baby Figurine Appraisal

Bisque 'Shush' Baby Figurine

This is a small, figural representation of a baby, likely made from bisque porcelain, given its matte, unglazed appearance. The material is a pale, peachy-pink tone, indicative of Caucasian skin. The figurine measures approximately 2-3 inches in height, judging by its proportion to the wooden surface it rests upon. It depicts a full-bodied baby in a standing or slightly leaning pose. Key features include a round head, rosy cheeks, and small, subtly painted green eyes. The mouth is open slightly with a hint of red paint on the lips, and the most distinctive feature is the right index finger raised to the lips in a 'shush' or 'secret' gesture. The body is plump and childlike, showing detail in the belly button, small hands with rudimentary finger definition, and small, bare feet with visible toes. There are no clear indications of clothing or hair. The craftsmanship appears to be a mass-produced item, possibly from the early to mid-20th century, common for novelty or souvenir items. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the provided image. The surface shows some minor signs of wear or discoloration consistent with age, particularly a slightly darker hue on some of the raised areas and joints, suggesting accumulated grime or slight patina. There are no obvious cracks, chips, or repairs, indicating a relatively good state of preservation for its age. The overall style is reminiscent of 'googly-eyed' or kewpie-like figures that were popular in the nostalgic baby doll aesthetic.