Welp, best laid plans, and all that.  I was at a sale recently, and I saw this piece.  She is really nice, a lovely Madonna, with 4 little angels, from the 1950's.  I was tempted, but ready to move on, because, after all, I promised myself no more porcelain.  THEN, I looked closely at the piece, and I realized there was a completely out-of-character part to the piece, a black snake, wrapped around the Madonna's feet, with an apple in it's mouth.  Whaaat?   At first, I didn't understand the significance, but later came to find out that it was because she was absolved of the original sin, and conquered evil.

I have never seen this.  Maybe it's just me, but I really didn't expect that, especially for this piece, which has lots of sweet.  The angels are like the little Howard Holt angels (also made in Japan) which were based on Marilyn Monroe, and her platinum hair.  The Madonna is beautifully detailed, except her hands.  Her face is very fine, but her hands are a little smeary.  The piece is all of a piece - the angels, Madonna and cloud they are standing on is all one piece, and all hand painted.  

It is really gorgeous, and I was tempted even before I saw the snake.  But, the snake!  That sold it, for me.  It is sitting on my desk, and I will thoroughly enjoy it, until someone else purchases her.  You won't be disappointed.

It isn't signed, but it is marked Japan.

And, a word about the bottom.  I don't really understand the construction.  It looks like it was hollow, and has had a heavy porcelain plug added.  Maybe for balance?  I have looked closely, and the plug isn't removeable, and isn't missing anything.  Maybe there is a religious relic inside?