October 21, 2004

By: Tammy Gray-Searles
Website: http://www.a1-in-toys.com

A fun history of porcelain dolls

Porcelain dolls are one of the most popular collectibles of all time. Their delicate faces, fancy clothes, and gorgeous accessories are just a few of the reasons why they are so beloved. The pleasant childhood memories they arouse are another reason why so many people love porcelain dolls.

There are many types of porcelain dolls. Limited edition, designer series, fashion dolls, dolls from different time periods and different countries, miniatures, newborns, and fantasy dolls are just a few. Some of the most popular dolls are dressed in elaborate gowns with beautiful hats, gloves, fans and jewelry.

Porcelain dolls have been popular since they were first introduced in the early 1800s. In the 1840s, France, Germany, and Denmark began creating porcelain heads for dolls. The dolls were very popular and were part of the change from crude handmade dolls to fine dolls with realistic features.

The term porcelain doll actually refers to both china and bisque dolls. Bisque, which is fired twice, with coloring added after the first firing, achieved a more realistic looking skin than china. By 1860 most porcelain dolls were made with bisque instead of china.

Antique porcelain dolls are often identified by the style of their hair. Most were given whatever hairstyle was most fashionable at the time they were created.

During the mid-19th century porcelain dolls were used for daughters of the wealthy to learn about fashion. They came with entire trunks of clothes and accessories. The girls were instructed on proper fashion for their dolls and were given patterns to sew outfits for the dolls. An entire industry existed for these fashion dolls, including jewelers, milliners, seamstresses, and shoemakers. Today, these dolls are coveted by collectors and can cost up to $20,000.

Originally most dolls, including porcelain dolls, were created as miniature versions of adults. They were among some of the first dolls made to look like babies and children, although often missing critical features. The revolution of the doll industry came with bebes, French dolls made to look like babies. From that point on the fancy fashion dolls saw a huge decline in their popularity with children.

When we think of these unique looking dolls today, we usually think of collector’s dolls. Many top doll designers create gorgeous one-of-a-kind and limited edition dolls. Most fantasy dolls are porcelain dolls. Even with technology creating realistic skin and features for dolls, we still love the beauty and fine features of these collectibles.

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