Susan Welter "Roxy" Cloth Artist Doll

"Roxy" 20" Mixed-Media Studio Cloth Artist Doll by Susan Welter

Manufacturer: Susan Welter Studio (Original Studio Art Piece)

Era / Circa: Contemporary Studio Artisan Era

Model Line / Face Mold: Custom One-of-a-Kind Soft-Sculpture Cabaret / Showgirl Character

Medium: Masterfully needle-sculpted fine fabric socket head, hand-painted facial features, needle-sculpted fingers with custom painted fingernails, paired with a wire-armatured multi-textile posable body permanently mounted on a circular black wooden display base

Doll Height: Tall 20” Exhibition Showcase Tier

Included Elements: 20” hand-crafted cloth artist doll on integrated wooden base, custom-tailored multi-textile burlesque corset outfit with lace trimmings, wild orange-crimson curly mohair studio wig, fishnet arm gauntlets, sheer burgundy dotted thigh-high stockings with purple satin rose garters, hand-crafted black faux-leather lace-up high-heeled boots, sparkling rhinestone drop earrings, matching rhinestone necklace, miniature gold-toned gemstone ring accessory, and a small black plush drawstring handbag

ITEM DESCRIPTION

Up for auction is a sensationally bold, masterfully executed 20-inch contemporary mixed-media studio cloth artist doll, meticulously hand-crafted by the highly celebrated artisan Susan Welter. Designed with a captivating, high-attitude cabaret or showgirl theme, this striking one-of-a-kind showcase piece beautifully demonstrates the complex needle-sculpting and detailed textile layers that have come to define Welter's sought-after contemporary studio portfolio, offering an unforgettable focal masterpiece for advanced art doll collections.

Standing a commanding 20 inches tall from her base to the crown of her hair, this exhibition figure features a wonderfully expressive, needle-sculpted cloth face. Her distinct facial features are meticulously painted by the artist’s hand, displaying large, stylized blue bedroom eyes highlighted with fine white accents, dramatic applied upper eyelashes, subtly arched single-stroke brows, heavily blushed cheeks, and a beautifully contoured dark-rose mouth. Exploding from her crown is a spectacular, voluminous wild mane of bright orange-crimson curly mohair wigting. Her wire-armatured body transitions into fine needle-sculpted hands complete with painted burgundy fingernails, including a miniature gold-toned gemstone ring on her right hand, all securely balanced on a finished circular black wooden display base.

The figure arrives completely styled in her native, custom-tailored burlesque coordinates. The elaborate cabaret outfit features a fitted black structured corset bodice interwoven with purple vertical ribbon panels, shimmering bronze-metallic stitching, and complex black lace ruffles lining the neckline and lower trim. Her legs are dressed in sheer burgundy dotted thigh-high stockings, accented by miniature purple satin rosebuds on the garter lines, leading down to an incredible pair of custom-formed black faux-leather high-heeled boots with functional criss-cross lace-up ties. Her extensive jewelry coordinates include long rhinestone drop earrings, a matching rhinestone choker necklace, black fishnet arm gauntlets, and a miniature black plush drawstring evening bag dangling from her left wrist.

ARTIST BACKGROUND

Studio cloth artisan Susan Welter holds a highly respected position within contemporary doll-making movements, celebrated for her technical mastery over soft-sculpture and her ability to weave high-concept narratives into textile art. Welter’s custom figures are renowned for their unapologetic use of rich textures, blending high-end fabrics like fine velvets, satins, and laces with detailed hand-painted portraits. Moving far beyond traditional design boundaries, her thematic creations—such as this bold, fiery-haired showgirl—are highly coveted on the secondary estate market for their exceptional display presence, impeccable costume construction, and magnificent attention to detail.

AUTHENTICITY PROVENANCE & CONDITION

An exceptional testament to the genuine studio pedigree and pristine original care of this lot is the flawless preservation of its intricate fabric layers and tiny accessories. Finding a contemporary soft-sculpture piece with its delicate hand-laced leather boots, applied eyelashes, and miniature gemstone ring completely intact is a major auction highlight. As shown in the comprehensive macro photography gallery, this doll is in immaculate condition, entirely free from fading, fabric snags, material degradation, structural odors, or wear to her delicate hand-painted face-up, making her entirely ready for immediate gallery exhibition.

NOTE FOR BIDDERS

This magnificent studio art lot features the 20” Susan Welter cloth cabaret doll on her integrated black wooden base, her complete multi-textile corset outfit layout, her hand-laced black high-heeled boots, her drawstring purse, and all associated rhinestone jewelry coordinates exactly as shown in the catalog photographs. This piece is a studio original and was issued loose without commercial cardboard retail boxes. Bidders are encouraged to closely review all high-resolution macro photography to appreciate the magnificent texturing and superb display readiness of this contemporary studio masterpiece.

Condition
As pictured. No major damage noted. See photos. No box.Absence of specific condition description does not denote there is no damage, especially when considering a vintage or antique doll. Please read description carefully and ask questions before bidding. Dolls are available to preview in person. Call or email for preview details. I do my best to point out the major damage but this condition report is not exhaustive and other minor flaws may be found.

Dimensions
20 in