original early 1880s antique american anglo-japanese style "geisha girl" cast bronze salvaged chicago doorknob

rare c. 1879-85 original and highly sought after ornamental cast brass passage size figural doorknob depicting a detailed frontal bust of an asian geisha girl figure holding a parasol behind her head. the concave parasol contains a radiating spoke pattern with alternating incised herringbone design. portrait head has traditional japanese headdress and kimono with incised floral pattern. round outer edge of knob has centered relief pattern of beads with incised line above and below in continuous row around knob. the exterior residential doorknob was manufactured by the russell & erwin mfg. co., new britain, ct. the anglo-japanese style doorknob contains a lightly incised patent date around the shank. fabricator markings are also found around the backside of the knob. russell and erwin fabricated a short-lived “suite” of hardware incorporating several japanese motifs, reflecting the popularity of anglo-japanese design during this time period. exceptional surface patina left intact. similar knobs available.