Lady with a Secret under her Bustle. A Rare Victorian Era Naughty Novelty. Made by Dresden manufactory of Carl Thieme. Circa 1900 (late 1800s). This type of humorous naughty figurine was a push-back to the straight-laced rather restrictive culture of the Victorians. This lovely lady is quite scandalous for her time, circa 1900. She is not only showing a forbidden ankle and leg, with her skirt and petticoat hiked daringly high (the Victorian’s modestly covered even the legs of tables and chairs), but she is also leaning forward revealing a tantalizing glimpse of blushed décolletage. Best of all, she has a risqué surprise hidden under her hinged bustle: a tiny molded beetle has alighted on her curvacious derrière. Although created in the late Victorian era, this pretty lady wears the French Rococo fashion of the 18. Inspired by this 1778 fashion print, she wears the popular Robe à la Polonoise , sporting an outer-skirt gathered into three bunched swags stuffed with tulle to create height and width at the hips, thereby emphasizing the tiny corseted waist. Despite its ribald nature, this lovely piece is of high quality, fine German workmanship. Beautifully modeled and painted, she is made by the Dresden, Germany firm of Carl Thieme. A vision in gold, her dress, hat etc are gilded in real 24k gold and hand-painted with lush red roses. The red against the gold is stunning and really pops. If you look closely, you will see she is tying a pink garter ribbon, a. At her knee to secure her pale-yellow stocking. Her dainty feet are slippered in red silk shoes topped with royal blue bows. Per the fashion of the time, she wears her hair in a ladder of spiral curls, piled high and powdered, with such attention to detail that each hair is individually painted. Her hat is topped with colorful feathers, a style made popular by Marie Antoinette. This beauty rarely comes up for sale, and even more rarely is she found dressed all in gold. From my collection to yours.. Photos taken with daylight bulbs for accurate color. Though monitor colors may vary. Keep in mind, gold really pops. When brightly lit for photos; some photos are more. Brightly lit than others. Of course the gold. Appears more subtle in lower light. Terms of Sale – Please read. Please let me know before paying if you have a preference. These are items from my own collection. I’ve taken great care to provide an accurate description and have provided many large clear photos. The high resolution photos are part of the description. By purchasing from me you agree to these terms. I value my customers and always do my best to ensure you have a happy shopping experience; your patronage is very much appreciated. The item “Art Deco Carl Thieme Nude Secret under Bustle German Bathing Beauty Half Doll” is in sale since Saturday, January 26, 2019. This item is in the category “Antiques\Decorative Arts\Ceramics & Porcelain\Figurines”. The seller is “sussexcountyantiques” and is located in Stanhope, New Jersey. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Type: Figurine
- Primary Material: ceramic
- Featured Refinements: German Porcelain Figurine
- Style: Victorian
- Age: c 1900
- Maker: Dresden
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Color: Gold
- Country/Region of Origin: Germany
