c.1920s Jointed Composition Baby Doll No. 135 – Made in Japan

This charming little Japanese composition baby doll dates from approximately the 1920s–1930s and was produced for the export market during a period when Japan was becoming an important international manufacturer of in expensive dolls and toys.

Measuring approximately 150 mm high × 80 mm wide × 60 mm deep (6 inches), the doll has a composition head and torso with separately made, movable arms and legs.The limbs are internally strung, allowing them to be repositioned at the shoulders and hips.

The baby has a rounded character face with moulded features, painted blue side-glancing eyes, fine painted eyebrows, a small red smiling mouth and prominently rouged cheeks. The moulded hair is painted black and incorporates individually modelled strands across the forehead.

The doll's proportions and facial treatment are characteristic of the small novelty and character dolls produced in Japan for Western export markets during the interwar period. Japan's export doll industry expanded considerably after the First World War, when disruption to European manufacturing created opportunities for Japanese manufacturers to supply Western markets.

On the upper back is an impressed manufacturer's or mould mark. From the photographs, the lower portion appears consistent with: MADE IN, JAPAN, 135

The “Made in Japan” country-of-origin marking is consistent with manufacture after 1921. Earlier Japanese export goods were frequently marked “Nippon” or “Made inNippon”, while “Japan” and “Made in Japan” became increasingly used after 1921.(This supports an interwar date for the doll, although the marking by itself cannot establish a precise year.)

The doll is dressed in a simple cream sleeveless dress edged with red trim at the neckline and hem and fine lace around the arm openings. Not the original outfit.

The doll displays expected signs of age, including surface wear, small areas of paint loss, minor cracking and deterioration to the composition surface, particularly around the back and joints. The painted hair also shows scattered losses. Despite this, the original facial painting remains particularly appealing, with strong cheek colour and clearly visible blue eyes and red mouth.

Features

Measurements: 150 mm high × 80 mm wide × 60 mm deep (6 inches)

Condition: Excellent

Markings: MADE IN, JAPAN, 135

Date Note:   Date is  an estimate based on available research and  stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us  to help update our records.

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