Description

Very rare and beautiful antique doll. She has a bisque head and a composition body. Stable eyes, and gorgeous makeup, however, there are a couple of spots that are rubbed off (see photo). There is a small paint mark on one of the eyebrows. Fitted wig. Her body does not have distinct damage, but, some spots have minor paint cracks. Looks like her legs were restored. She has a full set of undergarments and a velour outfit. Adorable shoes. The cat and flowers are not included in the price.

During the Nippon era (1891-1921) the Japanese produced a wide variety of bisque dolls.  The majority of these dolls were produced from 1915 through 1921; many were produced to supply the vast American market with dolls during the World War I when France and Germany couldn’t supply dolls.   Dolls produced by Japanese manufacturers include:

Large bisque head dolls –  The Japanese copied many of the most popular German dolls. The Kestner Hilda (mold no. 245) introduced in 1914, the Heubach pouty mold no. 6969 (circa 1912), and the Hertel Schwab mold no. 151 are just three examples. The Japanese produced many different character and dolly-faced dolls with a variety of bisque finishes including some rare ‘oily’ bisque finishes.  They also made both open and closed mouth dolls, dolls with wobble tongues, dolls with glass or painted eyes, dolls with pierced nostrils, and dolls with a crying mechanism in their heads.  If the Germans made a certain type of doll then it’s likely the Japanese made a similar type.   The Nippon character dolls have wonderful expressions ranging from flirty to serious, impish to sweet.  The most sought after characters are the pouty and the googly molds and these dolls are a rare find today.