History:

Made in the 20th century, as evidenced by the modern materials and methods of construction. According to the sticker, this bear was made in Taiwan, destined for Berco, in Ontario, Canada.

Material:

The body is made of styrofoam, concealed by black leather boots, cotton underdrawers, a printed cotton dress trimmed in lace, with a white cotton apron trimmed in lace and ribbon. The hands and face are made of white mesh, the face has two black plastic eyes and a felt nose and is half covered by a bonnet made of the same printed cotton and trimmed in blue ribbon. One hand holds a wooden basket, containing a felt-wrapped gift and plastic flowers. There is a sticker on the underside of each black boot.

The mesh is sewn to provide shape of face and hands. It is unclear how the eyes and nose are attached. The clothing is machine sewn closed, unable to open. The lace trim is machine sewn to the cotton, as is the ribbon. The boots are sewn, presumably around the styrofoam. The styrofoam is mass produced and shaped into a torso form. The basket is woven, and the handle attached by stapling. The gift inside is attached by glue, as are the plastic flowers.

The object is well made, clearly mass produced. There are obvious signs of current manufacturing methods, in the styrofoam, staples, glue and machine sewing.

The musical component is concealed inside the styrofoam torso, with a metal key protruding out the back under the dress to wind. The upper and lower torso are separate but joined. When the key is wound and the music plays, the upper torso rotates in a circle, and because of the single piece dress, it provides the illusion of walking.

Function:

The intended use is to be a decorative figurine that produces music, and to provide delight. It also provokes nostalgia for an earlier time and place.

Design:

The figurine is a bear in human form, upright, with a head, two arms and two legs. Dressed in an old-fashioned dress, apron, bonnet, underdrawers and boots, carrying a basket. The ornamentation is seen in the lace and ribbon trim on the garments, the blush on the cheeks, and the bow on the basket. Overall, this is old-fashioned country in style and pattern of dress and accessories.

Identification Operation:

This is a figurine that plays music and moves.

This is a figurine produced with modern materials, one of which is a musical component and key.

This figurine is produced using modern methods of construction.

This is an old-fashioned figurine.

According to this identification operation, this is a figurine made with modern materials and construction, which appears old-fashioned, and plays music and moves.