Goebel Hummel Figurine: School Girl (Model 81)

This is a classic Goebel Hummel porcelain figurine titled 'School Girl' (originally known as 'Auslauf' or 'Going Out'). The piece depicts a young girl in mid-stride, carrying a wicker basket on her right arm and a school satchel on her back. She is dressed in traditional post-war German style, featuring a vibrant orange-red dress with a polka-dot pattern, a dark bodice, and rolled socks above brown shoes. The figurine stands on a circular, slightly domed cream-colored base. The physical construction is of high-quality earthenware, finished with the characteristic matte, hand-painted glaze that Hummel is famous for. The color palette is earth-toned with soft blending on the skin and hair, contrasted by the bold saturation of the orange dress. In terms of condition, the piece appears to be in excellent vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. The paint remains vibrant, though under high magnification, one might expect to find the typical age-related crazing prevalent in Goebel pieces. This specific design was modeled by Arthur Moeller in 1937, though based on the style and coloration, this likely dates from the 1960s to 1980s (TMK-3 to TMK-6 period). The craftsmanship is evident in the fine details of the facial features and the textured weave of the basket, representing the high standard of German porcelain artistry.