Marwal Industries Inc. was founded in Brooklyn, New York, around the mid-1960s by Marcel Walters, a Romanian immigrant. The name Marwal was derived from the first syllables of his first and last names.
Marwal were known for using Hydrastone, a mixture of plaster of Paris and gypsum, to create their chalkware sculptures. Later, in the 1970s, after moving to Florida, they also produced items made of painted plastic.
A number of highly collectible busts were produced, depicting men, women and children from a variety of ethnicities - Polynesian, Japanese, Spanish and Middle Eastern.
Marwal pieces are often recognised by their detailed paint jobs, sometimes featuring 'eye lights' (small white highlights in the eyes to give them a lifelike appearance) and careful shading.
THIS LISTING
A fabulous piece from their 1960s collection; a gorgeous woman with Spanish headdress, known as a mantilla.
This particular chalkware beauty measures approx 28cm (11") tall and is in excellent vintage condition. The only wear we can see is a couple small crazing marks, as per the last pictures, which only show when reviewed closely.
She is stamped on the reverse side with the year of manufacturer - 1966 in this instance - and has a felt base.
A highly collectible piece and a perfect addition to any mid-century home décor arrangement!
