Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
An original Willow Tree resin figurine titled 'Happiness' (Stock #26130), designed by artist Susan Lordi. The piece features a faceless female figure with outstretched arms holding three small blackbirds, symbolizing joy, freedom, and connection to nature.
Story
Launched in 1999, Susan Lordi's Willow Tree line sought to capture quiet emotions without facial expressions. This 2004 'Happiness' figure uses simple gestures and bluebirds to convey a universal message of optimism.
Maker / Origin
Susan Lordi hand-carves the original model for each sculpture from her studio in Kansas City, Missouri. In partnership with DEMDACO, these intimate carvings are cast in resin and individually hand-painted to replicate her original wood-carving textures and subtle color washes.
Condition & Value
The figurine appears to be in mint, unused condition, still sealed in its original protective plastic bag within the custom styrofoam insert and original cardboard box. The box shows minor shelf wear and a small tear on the label, but overall preservation is excellent. This is a highly mass-produced contemporary collectible.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.