c.1925–1935 Pair of Japanese All-Bisque Character Dolls – Soldier and Cowboy

A colourful pair of c.1925–1935 Japanese all-bisque character dolls depicting a young soldier and cowboy, with moulded clothing and hand-painted decoration, produced for the export market and marked “Made in Japan”.

This charming pair of small all-bisque character dolls was manufactured in Japan, probably during the late 1920s to early 1930s. Each measures approximately 120 mm high × 50 mm wide × 40 mm deep (approximately 4¾inches) and is marked “Made in Japan”.

The pair depicts two distinctly Western characters. One is a young soldier, wearing a pale green military-style tunic with double rows of black buttons and belt, white trousers and a pale blue cap. He carries a long moulded object athis side, apparently representing a rifle.

His companion is a cowboy, with moulded orange hair, a bright neckerchief, brown vest and gun belt, yellow trousers and boots. A large cowboy hat is moulded hanging at his side. The character's exaggerated costume and bright colouring are typical of inexpensive novelty figures intended to be immediately recognisable.

Both figures are manufactured entirely from bisque porcelain, with their heads, bodies, limbs and clothing moulded as a single form. Their features and costumes have subsequently been decorated with coloured paints.

Japan became an important producer of bisque dolls for the international market during the First World War, when disruption to German exports created opportunities for Japanese manufacturers. Japanese factories produced both conventional dolls and enormous numbers of smaller novelty, character and all-bisque figures for export.

The “Made in Japan” marking provides a useful dating clue. Earlier Japanese export wares were commonly marked “Nippon”, while “Japan” and “Made in Japan” markings became standard from approximately 1921. These markings continued to be used through the pre-war period, so they cannot by themselves establish an exact manufacture date.

Features

Measurements: 120h x 50w x 40d mm

Condition: Excellent

Markings: MAde In Japan

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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Made from the following materials

Country:

Japan

Japan’s history of dolls and toys dates back to 8000 BC with dogu clay figures. From the elegant hina dolls of the Edo period to modern anime-inspired action figures and robotic toys, Japan has mastered the art of blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

Produced by:

Product Code:

D0046

Dimenions:

120(h)

x 50(w)

x 40(d)

Produced from:

1925

1935

Markings:

Made In Japan