Why You’ll Love It
A breathtaking one-of-a-kind porcelain lady doll by celebrated Spanish miniature artist Maria Jose Santos of Carabosse Dolls, made in the elegant style of 1870s high fashion. Known as “Lena,” she is dressed for the ballroom in a magnificent ivory silk taffeta couture gown, richly layered with draped panels, delicate lace, and finely gathered ribbons that cascade down the skirt in true Victorian style, with an elegantly fitted bodice, soft off-the-shoulder neckline, and tiered bustle drapery flowing into a gentle train.
Her beautifully sculpted porcelain face is full of gentle confidence, complemented by sparkling jewelry details. In her gloved hands she holds a magnificent miniature period fan, created in collaboration with master artisan Cristina Noriega, its incredible scenes and delicate structure echoing the refined accessories of fashionable ladies of the era.
Maria Jose Santos, working under the name Carabosse Dolls, is widely regarded as one of the finest miniature doll artists in Europe. In May 2001, Santos achieved the prestigious Artisan status in the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) in both Human Figures and Costuming. Her work is held in the permanent collections of renowned institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as museums and collections worldwide.
Lena would look gorgeous displayed within a grand salon, ballroom, or palace interior, as she instantly becomes the narrative center of the scene: a lady pausing between dances, a hostess greeting guests, or a quiet observer at an evening soirée. Pieces of this caliber rarely appear on the market, and collectors of Carabosse Dolls recognize them as heirloom works of miniature art.
Details
Materials: Porcelain, silk
Measurements: 5 ½” tall (if she were standing)
Condition: Excellent condition, newly created by the artist
Artist / Maker: Maria Jose Santos, Carabosse Dolls (Spain)
Provenance: Miss Seattle Collection
Please Note: You are purchasing the doll and her fan only. Everything else you see is not included, but is used to demonstrate scale and placement suggestions.
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 While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.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.
