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Kister Youth and Old Age (2)

This rare doll dates from the 1870s and was made by the firm of A W Fr Kister of Germany.  Unlike most multi-face dolls that depict different expressions on the faces, she shows youth on one side and old age on the other.  Her head is china while her body is on a cloth covered cylinder that is wool stuffed.  She measures 23 cm in height.  This head can also be found made up as a candy container.  I also have one on an ordinary chinahead body - click here to see that version.

The youthful side of this doll carries a basket containing dried flowers while the old lady side carries a peddler basket full of wonderful little items including deck of cards, dolls, cutlery, fabric flowers, lace and a vase.  Dangling from the peddler's basket are various metal items including a compass/clock, black bisque doll and a glass jug.  One of the bisque dolls in her basket is particularly sweet and I've pictured it separately below.  It is marked 3/0, has curvy arms and moulded shoes and socks.  

The base of the two-faced doll is ink stamped and she also has a paper label.

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Last modified: 23 Jan 2010