Are All China Dolls Really from China?

Do China dolls always come from China? It is a truly very simple question yet a valid one. These dolls are those shiny dolls most children are a little bit scared of when they see them. They are made from the material glazed bisque also known as porcelain, which provides them the shimmering appearance they are known for through history. The dolls are generally pure white and left untainted with any other color. These beautiful dolls were created during the latter part of 1830s, grew in number during the 1850s and went all the way to around 1930s. Though named China dolls, it was actually in Germany that scores of China dolls were first made during this time.

Many Countries Producing China Dolls

Eventually, China dolls were created and fashioned by several countries. However, majority were still being formed in Germany with almost all the major German doll companies participating which include doll manufacturers Beck, Hertwig, Kestner, and Gotschalck, Alt, and a lot of others. There were some of the first china dolls that were finished in France although not in a very big volume like in Germany. Even American doll makers like Emma Clear also had her dip of the fingers in making quite a huge number of china dolls.

Size and Body Types of China Dolls

Tiny China dolls have been made from less than 2 inches tall up to a height of more than 30 inches for the Frozen Charlotte dolls. China dolls, on the other hand, made use of jointing wherein they have white heads and bodies which are clothed with textile or leather and which are glazed. While there are some China dolls that are totally glazed and some have unglazed body part such as the arms or the legs, the Frozen Charlotte dolls, on the other hand, are completely prepared using unglazed bisque, more often than not in 1 piece with no jointing carried out.

The Most Common China Dolls

During the 1890s, China dolls with "low brows" called the "Low Brow China Dolls" were made in millions of units. The dolls were named such because their hairstyle displays hair bangs and is put down just above their eyebrows, giving them low brows. This so-called Low Brow collectible dolls are usually sold for about $100 up to $300 depends on how small or big you have chosen. While there are very unusual China dolls with very uncommon hairstyles that are believed to cost more than a few thousand dollars.

For doll aficionados and doll collectors, especially those who just adore China dolls, put on some money now for getting the nicest China dolls ever!