Cloth dolls are more commonly known as rag dolls. They have been a part of life since people first started wearing clothing made of fabrics. Proof of this can be seen in a doll made of linen located in the British Museum that dates back to the Roman Empire.
As time passed the fabrics became softer and more expensive. Velvets and silks were used for faces as well as clothing for the dolls. Faces could be painted onto the fabric or embroidered into it. It did not take long before beads and buttons were added to the facial features to give them more human like features.
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.
The original clothing is a value factor to be aware of. Whether or not a doll has had a makeover and been repainted or the costume has been recreated. And if it has been, were the proper fabrics and stitching used. The list goes on forever. Experts recommend that you take your time and study the subject before you spend your money.
As time passed the fabrics became softer and more expensive. Velvets and silks were used for faces as well as clothing for the dolls. Faces could be painted onto the fabric or embroidered into it. It did not take long before beads and buttons were added to the facial features to give them more human like features.
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.
The original clothing is a value factor to be aware of. Whether or not a doll has had a makeover and been repainted or the costume has been recreated. And if it has been, were the proper fabrics and stitching used. The list goes on forever. Experts recommend that you take your time and study the subject before you spend your money.
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