A Girl with a Basket —Kestner, Mold 143, Germany, c.1900–1915
A Girl with a Basket —Kestner, Mold 143, Germany, c.1900–1915
We welcome reasonable offers. If a piece has captured your attention, you are invited to propose your price.
Overview
Some dolls do not ask for attention — they simply hold it.
With her small basket, soft blue dress, and thoughtful expression, she feels as though she has just stepped out of a quiet summer morning — and chosen to remain.
A beautifully preserved antique doll by Kestner (J.D. Kestner), Germany.
Mold 143, primarily produced between 1900 and 1915.
Examples in such condition are increasingly difficult to find today.
Height: 21 inches (53 cm) — a refined and highly displayable size.
Key Details
- Maker: J.D. Kestner
- Mold: 143
- Country: Germany
- Period: Circa 1900–1915
- Height: 21 inches (53 cm)
- Head: Bisque porcelain
- Head Mark: J Germany 13 143
- Eyes: Blue glass sleep eyes
- Wig: Blonde mohair
- Body: Jointed composition body
- Body Mark: Germany 2 1/2 (red stamp)
Head & Facial Features
Material: Bisque porcelain.
The bisque head is in excellent antique condition with no cracks or chips. There are light traces along the rim from a former plaster pate, later replaced with a cardboard pate after transport damage.
She features fully functional blue glass sleep eyes, an open mouth with two teeth — a rare and especially endearing detail — and a beautiful blonde mohair wig.
Condition
The jointed composition body, marked Germany 2 1/2 (red stamp), has strong, well-balanced stringing, all fingers are present, and only minimal age-appropriate surface wear.
This doll can confidently be described as being in excellent antique condition:
- Bisque head free of cracks and chips.
- Body well preserved.
- Structurally sound and ready for display.
All nuances are carefully shown in the photographs.
Costume
Her appearance has been thoughtfully composed.
- Soft blue dress, gently echoing the color of her eyes.
- Full undergarments, including pantaloons and a chemise.
- Stockings.
- Shoes are not antique but have been carefully selected to harmonize with her overall look.
Her straw hat is a delicate composition of natural straw, dried flowers, fabric florals, and soft ribbons.
The small basket completes her image — light, poetic, and quietly dreamlike.
Collector's Notes
Kestner dolls are known for their warmth of expression and enduring quality.
Mold 143 represents a classic early 20th-century character, appreciated for its gentle features and timeless appeal.
Finding an example of this size — 21 inches — in such preserved condition makes this piece especially desirable for collectors and interior display alike.
Gallery Presentation
A short musical piece and a romantic video were created especially for her — an invitation to step into her quiet world, even if only for a moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an authentic J.D. Kestner doll?
Yes. This is an authentic antique German J.D. Kestner doll, mold 143, dating to approximately 1900–1915.
Does the bisque head have any damage?
No. The bisque head is free of cracks and chips. There are only light traces along the rim from a former plaster pate, which was later replaced with a cardboard pate after transport damage.
Do the sleep eyes work properly?
Yes. The original blue glass sleep eyes are fully functional.
Is the composition body in good condition?
Yes. The original jointed composition body has strong stringing, all fingers are present, and it shows only minimal age-appropriate surface wear.
What makes this Kestner mold 143 especially collectible?
This doll combines the desirable Kestner 143 mold, an excellent bisque head, working blue glass sleep eyes, the charming two-tooth open mouth, beautiful presentation, and a highly displayable 21-inch size, making her a wonderful addition to an antique doll collection.
Where Every Doll Carries a Story
About the Creator / Gallery
Meet Yana Lamar
I am Yana Lamar, a collector and restorer who turned a late‑found curiosity for dolls into a carefully curated gallery of antique characters.
I seek dolls that carry quiet stories — France, German, Japan, American - bisque girls, shy companions from attics and trunks — and give them a second life with gentle restoration instead of perfection.
In this online boutique you will not find mass‑market pieces, only a small rotating collection chosen for their personality, history, and the feeling they bring into a room.
You may also like
Whispers from Collectors
Thoughtful words from people who welcomed these antique souls into their homes.
“Opening the parcel felt like opening a century‑old storybook. The doll is even more delicate and expressive in person than in the photos, and the description was absolutely accurate. Packaging was careful and elegant, so she arrived safely despite the long journey.”
Anna M., United States
“I have collected antique dolls for over twenty years, and this is one of the most thoughtfully curated boutiques I have come across. Yana answered all my questions with patience and sent extra close‑up photos before I decided. You can feel real love for dolls behind every detail.”
Claire R., France
“The moment I saw my doll on the website, I knew she was special. In real life, her presence is incredible — soft, quiet, and full of character. The outfit is beautifully coordinated, and I appreciate the honest notes about her age and restoration.”
Elena S., Italy
“This was my first antique doll purchase, and I was a little nervous. The entire process was gentle and reassuring: clear communication, transparent condition report, and shipping updates all the way. When I unboxed her, I felt like welcoming an old friend home.”
Julia K., United States
“Every time I visit this gallery, there is something unique and soulful to discover. The dolls, accessories, and rare treasures are presented with such sensitivity that it feels more like an art collection than a shop. I am already looking forward to my next adoption.”
Margaret L., United Kingdom