Hungarian Folk Art Mother and Child Doll
Decorative art, textile sculpture (collectible doll) • Unidentified Hungarian artisan or workshop; possibly produced by a folk art cooperative such as those in Kalocsa or Matyo regions
Style & Movement
Hungarian Folk Art (Népművészet)
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted porcelain or composition head and hands, textile body, silk embroidery, lace applique, and multi-layered fabric costuming
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th Century (circa 1960-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 38-40 cm (15-16 inches) in height as indicated by the scale; vertical / pedestal format
Subject Description
A woman in traditional regional Hungarian celebratory dress holding a swaddled infant. The costume features distinctive floral embroidery and 'Reticella' style lace, representing maternal themes and cultural heritage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors are vibrant and the structure appears intact with no major structural damage
Estimated Market Value
$75 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a high-quality cultural souvenir or export item from Hungary; common in European ethnographic collections of the late 20th century
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Hungarian ethnographic preservation. While a commercial folk object, it reflects the systematic documentation of regional 'Kalocsa' floral patterns and traditional textile techniques popular in the post-war period.
Notable Features
Features exceptionally detailed hand-embroidery on the apron and headscarf; includes a smaller 'swaddled baby' doll which is a less common variant of this folk type
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust accumulation on lace; potential slight yellowing of the white cotton textile elements due to age; slight fraying on ribbon ends
Conservation Recommendations
Display in a UV-protected glass case to prevent dust ingress and textile fading; avoid high humidity to prevent mold in the fabric layers