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Vintage Signed Sermel Tonalá Mexican Folk Art Papier-Mâché Doll Set (Pair)
Offered for purchase is a beautiful, authentic vintage pair of handcrafted papier-mâché (cartonería) dolls from the renowned Sermel workshop in Tonalá, Jalisco, Mexico. Founded in 1963 by Sergio Bustamante and Melquiades Preciado, Sermel pieces are highly sought after by collectors for their whimsical, mid-century modern aesthetic and expressive "big-eyed" style.
This listing includes both dolls as a beautifully tiered, coordinating display set.
Item Details:
Large Red Sun-Hat Doll:Measures approximately 15" tall. Features a striking triangular red gown, an elaborate hand-applied flower-banded sun hat with glossy translucent resin flower centers, a long yellow braided yarn hair accent, and a beautifully hand-painted bird design. Hand-signed on the lower back rim: "SERMEL TONALA JAL MEXICO".
Small Green Cabinet Doll:Measures approximately 8" tall. Features a green gown with delicate hand-painted floral borders and a green brimmed hat. Hand-signed on the hollow inner underside: "SERMEL / Tonalá Jal / Mex".
Condition Note (Very Good Vintage Condition):Both dolls show typical, honest vintage wear consistent with age and material:
Glaze Crazing: There is stable, localized hairline crazing in the clear lacquer overglaze on both pieces (notably on the faces/necks and upper hat areas). This is completely normal for vintage mid-century cartonería as the paper core naturally expands and contracts over the decades. The paint layers are completely stable and are NOT flaking or peeling.Surface Wear:The green doll shows some very minor surface rubbing and light dust accumulation on the back/underside of the hat brim from display handling, which is common for pieces of this era.
Structural Integrity:Excellent. The papier-mâché cores are firm and rigid. There are no crushed brims, soft spots, or broken pieces. The yellow braided hair accents are fully intact.
Please review all the provided close-up photos to accurately judge the condition details for yourself.
Shipping & Packaging:Due to the delicate nature of vintage papier-mâché and the wide, fragile hat brims, these items will be packaged with extreme care using generous bubble wrap and shipped in a sturdy, oversized box to ensure they arrive safely.
