c.1930s Japanese All-Bisque Doll with Jointed Arms – Made in Japan

This small all-bisque doll was made in Japan, most likely during the 1930s, when Japanese manufacturers were producing large quantities of in expensive bisque dolls for the international export market.

Measuring approximately 120 mm high × 60 mm wide × 50 mm deep (approximately 4¾inches high), the doll is moulded in bisque porcelain and finished with a flesh-coloured painted surface. She has fixed painted eyes, finely painted brows and lashes, rosy cheeks, a small red mouth and moulded short brown hair.Painted shoes and stockings complete the moulded decoration.

The head,torso and legs appear to have been formed as a single rigid section, while the armsare separately made and jointed at the shoulders, allowing them to move.Dolls of this construction are sometimes described by collectors as FrozenCharlottes or Frozen Charlotte-type dolls; however, a traditional FrozenCharlotte is moulded entirely in one piece without movable joints. This exampleis therefore more accurately described as an all-bisque doll with jointedarms.

The doll isdressed in a handmade pink and cream crocheted garment. The clothing does notappear to be factory-made and its age or association with the doll cannotpresently be established. It may have been made for the doll by a previousowner, illustrating the common practice of making and replacing clothing forsmall dolls during their lifetime.

Animpressed mark is visible beneath the clothing on the back of the torso. Fromthe photographs it appears to include “MADE IN JAPAN” together with a manufacturer's symbol or logo. The photographs are not sufficiently clearfor me to confidently attribute that symbol to a particular manufacturer, so Iwould leave the manufacturer recorded as unknown Japanese manufacturerrather than make a speculative attribution.

Comparablesurviving Japanese all-bisque dolls with jointed arms and Made in Japanmarkings are commonly attributed to the 1930s–1940s, supporting theproposed dating of this example.

The dollremains in good vintage condition overall, with visible age-related surfacewear and paint loss/chipping, particularly to the moulded brown hair,neck, feet and painted footwear. The crocheted garment also shows someage-related wear. No major breakage is apparent in the supplied photographs.

Features

Measurements: 120mm high × 60 mm wide × 50 mm deep

Condition: Good - small dents and surface scratches

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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