Dolls & Etc

Antique China dolls were made by various but mostly German companies from 1836 to the 1940's.  Glazed porcelain China head dolls (unglazed porcelain dolls are referred to as Parian dolls) are usually found on a wood, cloth or kid body with some dolls having partial China limbs as well.  Most China dolls have molded painted hair but some have a wig over a solid bald dome head.  China head dolls range in size from a tiny 3 inch to a big and very heavy 40 inch tall doll.

 

China head dolls are usually unmarked. Some may have a mold number or doll makers mark on the back of the neck or on the shoulder plate so it can be impossible to pinpoint the doll maker, so dolls are described and identified by the type of hairstyle.  As hairstyles changed over the long history of China head doll making, dolls changed too, which gives us a clue to their dating.