Cloth dolls have been around since people started using woven fabrics for clothing. Mothers putting pieces of left over cloth together into an easily portable companion for their children is a natural act of love. Any type of fabric can be used for the construction of these toys. They became known by the name of Rag Doll.
Over time people started using softer, more luxurious fabrics for their creations and it was not unusual to see silks and velvets used for faces and gowns on the doll. Some doll makers painted faces onto the doll after it was complete using oil paints for a longer lasting effect. Beading and buttons often took the place of eyes and enhanced clothing worn by them.
Because the demand became so high manufacturers began mass production of the rag doll in the 1800s. The patterns were simple and usually were rolled onto a bolt of fabric in ink. They were then cut out, assembled and stuffed. Most factories had crews that would then dress each doll and prepare them for market. Occasionally a doll would be made with real hair sewn to its head instead of simply printed onto the pattern. Hand painted faces were also an option for the completed doll.
Some of these companies came to be in the simplest manner imaginable. A mother creates a loving companion for her little girl and it is so cute that friends want one made for their child. The doll becomes so much in demand that it is taken to a small factory to be produced on a larger scale because the original creator cannot keep up with requests for the doll.
During the 1920s in Europe a new trend came with the Art Doll. A high quality cloth doll created to be a decorative piece rather than a toy. They have a wire frame inside that allows them to be positioned in different poses and come in a seemingly endless assortment of colors and patterns. They are meant to mimic life and the ever changing world we live in.
Smaller versions of this type of doll are gaining popularity in today's market. They are being produced by private parties as well as the larger companies and are viewed as images of real life in the extreme. They are dressed in bright colors using feathers and other props and posed in ways that garner instant attention from all who see them.
A Collector of any of the different types of doll need to have intimate knowledge of vintage tells. There are so many things that you must pay attention to before you purchase it is easy to be deceived. You need to be aware of what the original doll looked like when it was first made as well as being able to know if repairs have been done as they would have been when it was new.
Factors to consider include clothing, the type of face used or if it is painted whether it is the original paint or has been touched up. From there you need to determine if the proper paint, stitches and fabrics have been used to refurbish the doll. If you do not know how to determine these things it may be wise to have the doll evaluated by a professional to help you find the true value of your prize doll.
Over time people started using softer, more luxurious fabrics for their creations and it was not unusual to see silks and velvets used for faces and gowns on the doll. Some doll makers painted faces onto the doll after it was complete using oil paints for a longer lasting effect. Beading and buttons often took the place of eyes and enhanced clothing worn by them.
Because the demand became so high manufacturers began mass production of the rag doll in the 1800s. The patterns were simple and usually were rolled onto a bolt of fabric in ink. They were then cut out, assembled and stuffed. Most factories had crews that would then dress each doll and prepare them for market. Occasionally a doll would be made with real hair sewn to its head instead of simply printed onto the pattern. Hand painted faces were also an option for the completed doll.
Some of these companies came to be in the simplest manner imaginable. A mother creates a loving companion for her little girl and it is so cute that friends want one made for their child. The doll becomes so much in demand that it is taken to a small factory to be produced on a larger scale because the original creator cannot keep up with requests for the doll.
During the 1920s in Europe a new trend came with the Art Doll. A high quality cloth doll created to be a decorative piece rather than a toy. They have a wire frame inside that allows them to be positioned in different poses and come in a seemingly endless assortment of colors and patterns. They are meant to mimic life and the ever changing world we live in.
Smaller versions of this type of doll are gaining popularity in today's market. They are being produced by private parties as well as the larger companies and are viewed as images of real life in the extreme. They are dressed in bright colors using feathers and other props and posed in ways that garner instant attention from all who see them.
A Collector of any of the different types of doll need to have intimate knowledge of vintage tells. There are so many things that you must pay attention to before you purchase it is easy to be deceived. You need to be aware of what the original doll looked like when it was first made as well as being able to know if repairs have been done as they would have been when it was new.
Factors to consider include clothing, the type of face used or if it is painted whether it is the original paint or has been touched up. From there you need to determine if the proper paint, stitches and fabrics have been used to refurbish the doll. If you do not know how to determine these things it may be wise to have the doll evaluated by a professional to help you find the true value of your prize doll.
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