Why You’ll Love It
This remarkable Marsha Hedrick porcelain bloodletting bowl is a miniature reproduction of one of the more unusual objects found in Victorian medical history. At first glance, the distinctive notch in the rim appears to be damage, but it is actually the defining feature of a traditional bloodletting bowl, designed to fit comfortably against a patient's arm during the once-common medical practice of therapeutic bleeding. Created by IGMA Fellow Marsha Hedrick and dated 2007, this fascinating piece transforms a rarely seen historical artifact into an exquisite work of miniature art. Hand-painted in rich cobalt blue, the bowl showcases extraordinary craftsmanship with intricate geometric ornamentation, scrolling decorative borders, and a striking central medallion surrounded by a finely rendered radiating sunburst motif. Both historically intriguing and beautifully executed, it serves as a conversation piece that bridges the worlds of decorative arts, medical history, and miniature collecting.
Perfect for displaying in an apothecary, physician's office, Victorian curiosity cabinet, historical museum scene, scholarly study, collector's cabinet, or period dollhouse interior.
Details
Materials: Porcelain
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 1 ¼” wide
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Marsha Hedrick, 2007
Collection: The Maureen Fukushima Collection
Please Note: This listing includes the bloodletting porcelain bowl only. Other accessories and dolls shown are for staging purposes.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
