Small painted figurine of a child holding a red ball
Estimated Value
$25-$100
A small hand-painted figurine depicting a smiling child or young figure standing on an oval base, wearing only white briefs and holding a bright red ball near the ear. The figure is rendered in a dark matte finish with simplified but expressive facial features. The style suggests a souvenir, folk-art, or decorative novelty piece rather than a fine-art sculpture. The piece appears mass-produced or semi-handcrafted, with visible wear consistent with age and handling.
Era
Mid-20th century, likely 1940s-1960s
Origin
Unknown; possibly African, Caribbean, or tourist-market origin
Material
Painted composition, resin, or cast plaster (exact material uncertain)
Condition
Fair. Visible surface wear, paint loss, scuffing, and age-related abrasion. The mouth area shows chips or loss to the white detailing, and the base has noticeable wear.
Physical Details
Dimensions
Approximately 6-8 inches tall
Weight
Light
Authentication
Authenticity Score
Medium-Low. The object appears period-appropriate and aged, but the exact origin, material, and maker cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Provenance
No maker's mark or inscription is visible in the image. Likely sold as a decorative souvenir or novelty item, possibly from a mid-century import market or tourist trade.
Historical Significance
Objects of this type are often associated with mid-20th-century souvenir production, folk art, or ethnographic-inspired decorative items. While not historically significant in a major fine-art sense, they can be of interest for their cultural context and mid-century design trends.
Restoration Notes
- •Possible repainting or touch-up to the white briefs and facial details cannot be ruled out
- •General wear suggests no major professional restoration visible
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