We Luv Dolls

Antique Japanese Dolls

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:46:55 +0000

Most of us are quite familiar with fine European porcelain dolls but I doubt many people realize just how old the tradition of doll making, even porcelain dolls, is in Japan.

Ancient temple records indicate small grass dolls were used in a religious ceremony and placed in the river even before the birth of Christ. There is no question doll making and the use of humanoid figures dates back even further this grass doll tradition is important as it eventually evolved into the Japanese doll festival known as Hinamatsuri.

Toyotomi

As the doll making craft evolved so did the diversity of dolls and their uses. By the 11th Century dolls were regular household items and by the 14th even papier-mâché dolls were introduced but things were about to get a whole lot better.
Sometime in the late 16th century the powerful Japanese leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea. Although shrouded in the mists of time legend tells that the Korean artist known as Ri Sampei was brought back to japan during this period. Being a skilled artist he discovered local materials and Japanese porcelain crafts and doll making began in earnest.

As the art grew the new porcelain dolls became a status symbol with Japanese society and often were displayed in a place of prominence in the home. In the early part of this period Dutch traders introduced these works of art to Europeans and they quickly became quite prized and cherished.

Hina Dolls

Although the Dutch helped the porcelain trade and crafts flourish this was by no means the only type of dolls that had an important place in Japanese society.
Warrior dolls known as ‘Musha’ were quite intricate even using lacquered paper to make armor, and metal to make miniature weapons. The Hinamatsuri was an important cultural event and specialized dolls called ‘Hina’ were made for the occasion. Although very deatialed they were not quite as intricate as the Musha dolls but were still a centerpiece and prominently displayed in any home. Goshu dolls were simple one piece items that generally depicted a small fat boy. Musha, Hina and Goshu dolls but scratch the surface of the Japanese doll making art of that time.

Sometime in the early 20th century the Japanese began making bisque dolls that are a little more familiar to western collectors. It is a tribute to the Japanese craftsmanship and tradition that even though their history with these dolls is rather short they are still highly valuable and very prized amongst collectors.

Elizabeth Ann Washington

Vintage German Wooden Dolls

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:43:21 +0000

The story of German wooden doll-making can be broken down into three phases. Crèche dolls, proper wooden dolls and Grodnertal dolls.
Crèche dolls are Catholic religious figurines that are most commonly associated with Italy for obvious reasons. However Germany has a strong and vibrant Crèche doll tradition as well. What separates a crèche doll from other religious figures is what they represent. A crèche doll is limited to the holy family and the birth of Jesus. When most people see one of these dolls they are usually part of elaborate nativity scenes.

Creche Dolls

As much of their doll-making resources were prescribed to religious figures the Germans fell behind others in mass produced general purpose wooden models. However because both are carved wooden models they were able to adapt rather quickly. In typical German fashion they closed the gap with quality and attention to detail.

Compared to their English counterparts the German models were made of higher quality materials and had better crafted features. By meticulously constructing the joints these dolls lasted longer and the overlay painting were of much finer detail.

Grodnertals are named for the valley from which many of them came. These dolls were signified by being of very high quality and became so desirable they were eventually exported around the western world including the United States.

Antique English Wooden Dolls

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:40:15 +0000

Unlike other more intricate dolls the English established a solid presence in wooden dolls. Evolving from primitive carvings into actual well-crafted works of art as early as the 17th century. This trend of constant improvement lasted for over a century well into the 18th century.

Early English Wooden Doll

As these dolls improved there was a direct correlation between the quality of the manufacturer and the features the doll had. Higher quality manufacturers began adding things like carved ears, intricate noses and well defined chins. The very top level dolls had intricate joints at the elbows and shoulders and moveable legs. While the lower quality dolls had their limbs held together with crude nails or leather straps.

Diversity in the quality of clothing was common as well. Premium models had quite fashionable apparel made of highly detailed silk. Some even came with beautiful petticoats.

One of the more distinctive features of English wooden dolls was the use of human hair. Although the use of real hair was a nice tough the wigs were usually rather crudely attached.

Elizabeth Ann Washington

Draculara The Shy Girl From Monster High

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:36:37 +0000

Unlike most vampires Draculara, or Ula D to her friends, has embraced the sweeter side of her personality. For example her favorite color is pink and she refuses to suck any else’s blood. She has even embraced a totally vegan life-style to make sure that she never hurts anyone. Imagine the surprise of her father Dracula when she had to tell him of her lifestyle choice

Draculara

Although she is just under 1,600 years old Draculara is still a teen-age girl in every way. Her obsession with high style and constant boy troubles are just two examples. One of her biggest issues is that she cannot see her own reflection. At first that sounds a little humorous but imagine the trouble that can cause for a young fashionista not being able to review her outfit or makeup before she leaves home.

Box Set

The Monster High Draculara doll really does a good job of pinpointing her personality. Her classic black vampire outfit has been replaced with an adorable and stylish pink top and skirt combination. Her doll even comes with a frilly umbrella for those daylight strolls in sunlight.

As with all Monster High dolls Draculara comes with some neat accessories. Besides the afore mentioned umbrella there is also her pet familiar the cute bat Count Fabulous, a brush for her hair and of course the obligatory Monster High Journal.

Cleo de Nile Monster High Doll

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:32:55 +0000

What can you say about Monster High’sCleo de Nile. She is arrogant, stuck up, self-centered, spoiled and that just a few of her personality traits. But what can you expect from an ancient princess who is accustomed to getting her way. You really can’t blame her anyways, I mean she is almost 6,000 years old and still going through PUBERTY! You would be cranky too. Cleo often tries to hide her overbearing personality and animosity towards the other girls from her longtime boyfriend Deuce Gorgon.

Cleo de Nile

Despite her upbringing Cleo is working hard to get along better with her friends. She often takes the time to help others and work altruistically. As a natural born leader the other girls at Monster High often look-up to Cleo de Nile and look to her in times of need. That leadership shows itself when she captains Monster High’s trophy winning fearleading team.

As you would expect from an Egyptian princess Cleo loves gold. Gold is both her favorite color and fashion accessory. She even keeps gold highlights in her hair. Her scary cool style also includes sandals, long flowing hair with bangs and draped stylish mummy wrappings.

As befitting a princess Cleo is also one of the few Monster High girls to have multiple pets. In the show you see her snake companion Hissette, but she also has several cats named Chisisi, Bastet, Akins, Ebonee, Ufa, Usi, and Miu-Miu.

Although her father is the legendary mummy Ramses de Nile, who works of all things as an antiquities dealer, but there has never been any mention of her mother.

Madame Alexander Coronation Dolls

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:54:00 +0000

During her coronation in 1952 it would have been impossible to predict what impact the now legendary Queen Elizabeth would have on history and her subjects. Although her legacy was still undetermined the historical significance of this event certainly couldn’t be overlooked and a marketing opportunity just couldn’t be wasted. One such opportunist was the New York based Abraham and Straus department store. In the classical era of large downtown department stores and glamorous window decorations what better way to attract attention than a coronation themed window diorama, and who better to populate it than the other emerging legend Madame Alexander.

Queen In Procession

Madame Alexander attacked the problem with her usual zeal old world attention to quality. She began meticulously researching each characters role in the coronation. The she studied every piece of jewelry and even the basic fabrics that would be worn that day. The eventual result was over 25 incrediblely detailed and beautiful dolls that would have surprised even the biggest Madame Alexander fan.

Monster High Clawdeen Wolf Doll

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:26:34 +0000

Clawdeen Wolf is the 15 year old daughter of the warewolf and head fashionista at Monster high. All you need to know about Clawdeen Wolf is that she loves fashion and gold and hates Cleo de Nile.

Although all the young ladies at monster high consider themselves stylish none take it as seriously as Clawdeen. In fact although Clawdeen is athletic she hates gym class because she cannot look her best in frumpy gym clothes.

Clawdeen Wolf

With the release of The Clawdeen Wolf doll they kept an eye on her fashion sense with her stylish outfit. Her love of purple and pink with black trim are evident on every piece of clothing.

Clawdeen Set

Her outer jacket is a little above waist high and black with a light purple trim and fluffy white fur collar. The undershirt moves to a pink with tiger strip black trim to tie it together. Although her miniskirt is solid purple with some thin black pencil trim, she wears a studded black belt to tie it all together. Then there are of course the obligatory Monster High thigh high boots. No surprise here as they are black with solid purple striping.

The doll also comes with the classic Monster High Journal, a lovely brush for her well groomed hair and of course her pet cat Crescent.

Madame Alexander’s Brenda Starr Doll

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:46:01 +0000

Madame Alexander had many wonderful traits as both a doll maker and a business woman. Perhaps none as integral to her success as her far-sightedness. In 1964 she launched the Brenda Starr doll based on the comic strip newspaper reported which continued her tradition of using fictional characters as inspiration.
The Brenda Starr doll was a little different though and a touch more innovative. This new doll was among the first to represent a modern woman’s role in the world and their struggle for equality, much like the original character that inspired her. For those that are too young to remember, the comic book character was a sharply dressed stylish female newspaper reporter that traveled the globe. Each new story filled with intrigue and adventure while in the background Brenda was always fighting to be taken as seriously as her male counterparts. Appropriately enough the comics original creator, Dale Messick, took on a man’s name as she fought many of the same struggle she wrote about in her strip. Although an inanimate doll could hardly shout a feminist anthem Madame Alexander nonetheless made sure the doll stayed true to the new modern woman’s spirit and vitality.

Brenda Starr Reporter

The basic doll was 12 inches tall, had red rooted hair had well done sleep eyes and stylish ear piercings. The head and arms were made of vinyl while the body was composed of a hard plastic, with joints at the news and the new style high heel feet. When purchased new there were a variety of option levels from fully dressed to wearing nothing more than a simple chemise.

Being a modern gal Brenda Starr needed an outfit for every occasion and she delivered. Fans could purchase a variety of dresses and accessories that were often avail with the doll or sold separately. Her specialty outfits included a rainy day slicker, an elegant Press Club ball gown and her elaborate organdy ball gown. Every day outfits included a stylish cape and matching dress number, sheath dress with an extra wig and the beautiful silver evening gown.

Plain Box

In 1965 The Brenda Starr doll was retired and turned into the much more successful Yolanda line. Throughout the years other companies have sold a version of Brenda Starr, some of which have sold quite well unlike the original. Unfortunately none captured her spirit and place in the modern era quite like the original Alexander version. To my knowledge the last Brenda Starr doll was taken off the market in 2007 and was sold by the Effanbee Company. Who knows if this brave hearted woman shall return yet again.

Elizabeth Ann Washingon

Alexander ‘Kins’ and Their Value

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:29:46 +0000

‘Kins’ is the name given to the beautiful 8in dolls made by The Alexander Doll Company starting in early 1953. The ‘Kins’ were a departure from Madame Alexander as they were made from a hard heavy and durable plastic instead of her usual composite. Although the material had changed, Madame Alexander’s strict demand for high quality certain did not and it showed in these dolls.

As with all things Madame Alexander did these dolls evolved and innovated rather quickly. In just their second year of production the dolls became straight leg walkers. Two years later, in 1956, the dolls evolved again to include jointed knees. The new more versatile legs allowed the dolls to pose as never before, to kneel and of course sit.

8in Wendy

The body of the dolls was not the only thing to change over the years. Madame Alexander like variety and she made sure her dolls never became boring. Each year the ‘Kins’ were dressed in a wondrous array of new dresses that kept the line fresh and unique. The line was also sold at different accessory levels. Some models included only the basics like the doll, panties, shoes and socks with ooutfits sold separately. Others were complete boxed sets with a fully dressed doll included.

1953 Quiz Kin

Unfortunately not every doll in the line grew and evolved. The ‘Quiz-Kins’ were only made in 1953 and never returned. The distinguishing feature of a ‘Quiz-Kin’ was the two pushbuttons on the back. One button would make the doll nod yeas and the other no. Despite their relative rarity and unique the Quiz-Kins are not generally as valuable as the regular Alexander-Kins are. To my understanding this is due the Quiz-Kins generally being sold with very plain and basic clothing.

Identifying Your Alexander-Kin
Although the ‘Kins’ are still produced today and are now exported globally the most valuable ones are of course the original vintage models. Here are some tips to help you identify your doll.

Markins
“Alex” or “Alexander”
From 1953 to 1976 the Kins had “ALEX” written on their backs, after that the full name “Alexander” appeared.
Serial Numers
Dolls that came already dress had a
three digit number (i.e. #123) on their box. Boxes that had four digits (i.e.0123) were for boxed outfits. It is not uncommon to see a doll and a box with serial numbers that do not match. This is generally because dolls were often displayed in a window and when sold placed back in a box, not necessarily the box they originally came in.

FEATURES
Two Buttons
This is a trademark feature of the Quiz-Kins. The buttons control head movement and these dolls were only produced in 1953.

Straight Leg Walkers
Straight leg walkers were introduced in 1954 and 1955. If you doll was a walking feature but no joint at the knee it was made in either 1954 or 1955.

Jointed Knee
Jointed knees were introduced in 1956. If your doll has a joint in the knee area it can be no older than 1956.

Fuzzy Sole Shoes
Dolls with shoes that had a fuzzy sole were from 1953 to 1958. Be careful when using this method to date a doll as shoes are the most commonly replaced or lost item and could mislead you as to the dolls true age.

Alexander-Kin Doll Values
It would be impossible for us to list the value of every Alexander-Kin doll but they generally Kins range from $400 – $2000 with the vast majority between $600 and $1000. As with most dolls a large percentage of the value is determined by the outfit that the doll is wearing.
If you send us the right information we may be able to give you a more accurate estimate of your dolls value. Pictures really help!

Elizabeth Ann Washington

Madame Alexander Bible Character Dolls and Their Values

Elizabeth Ann Washington — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:20:41 +0000

By 1954 Madame Alexander was already quite successful in the 8 inch doll market when her attention turned to the bible. At the time it would have been impossible to fathom the legend that would surround these dolls. Soon these bible characters rank amongst the most valuable 8 inch dolls in the world.
Years past the fog of history settled upon this collection and they began to slip into myth and fantasy. Soon some of the dolls had their very existence called into question and regarded as hearsay. To this day we still have very little information about the production of these dolls and how many were actually ever produced.

Queen Esther

When a complete set was found in mint condition still in their boxes it sent ripples throughout the collecting world. Several dolls that were thought not to exist had now been confirmed. In fact what little we do know about these dolls comes largely from this very set.

Although newer generations of bible characters have been produced the original 1954 production had only 8 dolls. These dolls included:
• Joseph
• Mary
• David
• Queen Esther
• Ruth
• Timothy
• Martha

Madame Alexander 1954 Bible Character Doll Values
As very little is common knowledge about these dolls one should be very cautious and skeptical when finding one for sale.
However a true 1954 Original is worth between $5,000 and $12,500. As always when spending this kind of money we recommend involving a profession to inspect the doll before buying.

Elizabeth Ann Washington