I have been searching for any information on this highly detailed piece. I found her at a Thrift Store in California. She is 7X5 inches. I believe she is ceramic but possibly porcelain. It is Signed Lavado 1959 on the bottom along with a name, Mery Eliza Myrtle. She is extremely detailed. It is possibly folk art. I would like to know any information on her.
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You have a very good example of how well a handmade/painted item can be made but it takes a good mold to start the process.
It appears Lavado was/is an artist who made/painted ceramic items for individuals. These were popular during the 60s-70s-early 80s - you could pick out a certain 'mold' at a ceramic shop and pay to have someone paint it for you.
This is still a popular hobby today as you can see if you check how many types of 'molds' are listed for sale online.
There were several mold-making companies (some still in existence) but the most popular companies were the Atlantic Mold Company and the Holland Company. Molds made by larger companies were marked with their name/logo on the bottom of the mold.
Examples:
poshmark.com/
Your figurine is a 'one of a kind' and was probably well-loved/prized by Mery Eliza Myrtle, but maybe not her family, and was eventually donated to the thrift store.
Lucky you!
Thank you so much for the information. I had given up on my research but this particular piece has been nagging at me. Finally you have given some amazing information. I truly appreciate your time and knowledge
This looks like a gift for someone that was made in a class. People get the unpainted molds and paint them
I've not been able to find out any info on this figurine, so I'm guessing it must have been 'home made' in a class.
After further searches this piece appears to be a mold and hand painted. The artist name does not come up with any of the well noted artist large and small. This artist did a good job on this piece, and that does not mean it doesn't have value , even from a mold.
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