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

This small all-bisque doll was manufactured in Japan, most likely during the 1930s, as part of the large Japanese export trade in inexpensive dolls and novelty figures during the inter war period. Comparable Made in Japan dolls with rigid bodies, painted features and jointed arms are generally dated to the 1920s–1940s, with particularly close examples attributed to the 1930s.

Measuringapproximately 190 mm high × 110 mm wide × 60 mm deep (approximately 7½inches high), the doll has a bisque head, torso and legs forming a rigid body,with separately made arms jointed at the shoulders. The arms appear to beattached internally, allowing them to move independently.

The dollhas moulded short blonde hair styled in a characteristic bob, with paintedfixed eyes, long painted eyelashes and eyebrows, rosy cheeks and a small redmouth. Her lower legs incorporate painted cream stockings and bright red MaryJane-style shoes.

She iscurrently dressed in a cream sleeveless floral top and blue-and-cream floralshorts. These garments appear handmade rather than factory-produced, and theirdate and association with the doll cannot be established from the availableevidence. They should therefore be recorded as later or undeterminedhandmade clothing, rather than described as original.

Animpressed MADE IN JAPAN mark is clearly visible on the upper back, together with a small impressed manufacturer's symbol above it. A similar trademark has been attributed in the collectors' market to Ando Togoro Co., but there is presently insufficient reliable evidence to confirm that attribution for this doll. The manufacturer is therefore best recorded conservatively as unknown Japanesemanufacturer.

Japanesedolls of this type were produced as affordable export toys. Their simple construction and relatively small size made them economical to manufacture andship, while hand-painted facial details gave individual character to otherwise mass-produced forms. Comparable surviving examples marked Made in Japan andfeaturing jointed arms are commonly dated to approximately the 1930s.

The doll isin very good to excellent vintage condition for its age. The photographs show some light surface wear, discolouration and minor paint rubbing,particularly to the moulded hair and painted surfaces, but no obvious majorcracks or losses are visible. The movable arms remain present and the painted facial features are particularly well preserved.

Features

Measurements: 190mm high × 110 mm wide × 60 mm deep

Condition: Excellent - not original clothes

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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