ELVIS PRESLEY, RARE COLLECTABLE CHALKWARE BUST VINTAGE 1970s

  

These busts were produced c 1970s in Mexico and were commonly painted and turned into lamps. A remarkably attractive and pensive-looking Elvis. Chalkware items are made in a 2-part mold, which leaves a seam. People painting chalk ware will file smooth such seams and other irregularities, before painting the object. Because chalkware is easy to chip and disintegrates if exposed to water, the condition of this piece is remarkable given its age.

There are some minor chips and some scuff marks. The piece is hollow, as can be seen in the one of the photos. This is a collectable item for any dedicated Elvis fan and is a lovely testament to The King! Has some paint chips and mild wear typical of chalkware.

Rhinestone missing from one of the eyes. Width: (at widest point): 17. Chalkware is an American term for popular figurines either made of moulded plaster of Paris (usually) or sculpted gypsum, and painted, typically with oils or watercolors. They were primarily created during one of three periods: from the late 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, during the Great Depression, and during the'mid-century modern' era as decorative lamps, figurines and wall decor from the 1940s-1960s.

Those created during the earlier period were intended as a more serious decorative art, often imitating the more expensive imported English Staffordshire potteries figurines such as Staffordshire dog figurines; those during the second period, by contrast, were more typically somewhat jocular. Early chalkware was often hollow and is difficult to find unblemished. Heavy, and easy to break or chip, chalkware eventually lost favor to ceramic and plastic alternatives in the 1970s. Attracting fine, mundane and comic artists, chalkware reached a broad audience during the MCM era providing everything from representations of European sculpture, to kitsch images of exotic travel, cartoonish characters and potty humor. What is pictured is the exact item you will receive.

All measurements though carefully taken should be considered approximate. Please see and examine all pictures for details, they are considered part of the description.