Porcelain DollsModern, Vintage and Antique Porcelain DollsThe history of these dolls goes back to the early 1800's, when the first china doll heads were created in Europe. These dolls usually were created with soft cloth bodies, since they were originally intended for children to play with. However, they were only allowed to play with them for short amounts of time under close adult supervision! Today, the two main kinds of porcelain dolls available are the soft bodied and the all-porcelain or hard bodied dolls. Soft bodied dolls have a soft cloth body with porcelain arms, legs and heads that give them the distinction of being semi-poseable. Dolls that are fully cast from porcelain are often for display only and remain in one position. Consequently, fully porcelain dolls usually have much more luxurious and detailed clothes. They can be found everywhere from flea markets to the pages of family magazines, with prices ranging from the affordable to exorbitant. Antique porcelain dolls can be found at auctions or estate sales, usually in excellent condition. What kind of doll you get is entirely dependant on how much you are willing to invest, as less expensive versions of the popular dolls are available for the collector on a budget. Antique porcelain dolls, however, are generally priced based on quality. It's possible to find antique dolls at bazaars or garage sales, but they are often either low quality or in poor condition. However, you never know where you'll find a bargain, so don't let that stop you from exploring all your possible avenues. Any porcelain or bisque doll made before the 1930's is considered a true antique, while ones from the 1940's and after are referred to as vintage. It is important to understand the difference before you go shopping, so you will have an advantage over other less informed collectors. Some porcelain dolls are not in poor condition so much as they are simply dirty. A doll with a dirty face and hands whose dress is still in excellent condition is easy to clean. Using a solution of dishwashing liquid on a soft cloth, you can gently rub away dirt and grime from porcelain hands and feet, but be careful not to get any on the wig or hair since that can loosen the glue. Be sure to test an inconspicuous location (like the bottom of a foot or a part of the arm that can be covered with the sleeve) first, just in case! Dust on the face, body and dress can be brushed away easily using a can of compressed air, which will not harm delicate parts. If your dolls' clothes are simply dirty, but not torn or damaged, many people have had excellent results using diluted Oxy-Clean or Woolite and hand washing the clothes in a sink or bathtub. Damaged clothes and dolls can be restored by a professional, however, the materials used to repair the doll can actually decrease the value of some antique porcelain dolls. It may come as a surprise to learn that some antique dolls are worth more with a few chips and cracks, but in some cases nothing beats the original finish of the porcelain. Properly storing your porcelain dolls, especially antique porcelain dolls, is essential to keeping them in optimum condition. If your doll is cared for right from the start, it's unlikely that you will have to worry about anything more than routine cleaning or ever restoring them. Porcelain dolls are extremely sensitive to moisture, which can ruin the paint on the face, cause the clothes to mold or mildew and even loosen the glue that holds the wig in place. Therefore, keeping your dolls in a moisture-proof container is the most important part of taking care of them. If you are collecting more for value than looks, it's actually best to keep the dolls in their original boxes if available. If not, a sturdy box of archival quality lined with acid-free tissue paper will suffice as long as it has a well-fitting lid. If you purchase an expensive doll brand new, always be sure to save all the tags, pamphlets and accessories that come with her on the off chance you will want to resell her in the future. Most importantly, never smoke around your dolls, even if they are kept in boxes! A doll in a smoking household must be kept in an airtight display box if she is to maintain her value, as many collectors will not even consider purchasing a doll who has been exposed to smoke. As your doll collection grows, it may be worth your while to insure them. While most homeowner's policies will cover your collection up to a certain point, they may not cover damages incurred in some situations. Therefore, if you have a large collection of valuable or antique porcelain dolls, a separate policy is highly advised. Collecting dolls can be a very fulfilling hobby, and a great way to meet new people. Doll clubs and websites not only provide an opportunity to buy new porcelain dolls, but also to show off your collection and meet enthusiasts who can provide a wealth of valuable information on the hobby. You also might be able to connect with artisans who will work with you to custom make the doll of your dreams. Porcelain doll collecting has remained a favorite among hobbyists, mainly because of the diversity and availability of dolls for every taste and budget. And with new dolls being created and new artists being introduced all the time, there's no doubt that it will remain popular long into the future. |