c.1930s Pair of Jointed Brown-Painted Bisque Baby Dolls – Made in Japan

This pair of miniature Japanese all-bisque baby dolls dates from approximately the 1930s and represents the small novelty and inexpensive play dolls manufactured in Japan for the international export market during the interwar period.

Each doll measures approximately 100 mm high × 50 mm wide × 30 mm deep (4 inches) and is constructed from bisque with separately made, jointed arms and legs. The limbs are attached to the torso to allow movement and positioning.

Both babies have a dark brown painted finish applied over the lighter bisque body. This method of manufacture is documented on comparable Japanese dolls of the period, where the underlying pale bisque can become visible at the joints and in areas where the surface paint has worn away.

The dolls have individually moulded character faces with large painted side-glancing eyes, small painted mouths and expressive features. .

The dolls are marked Made in Japan, consistent with Japanese export manufacture after 1921. Japanese export objects made between 1891 and 1921 were commonly marked Nippon or Made in Nippon, while Japan and Made in Japan were used after 1921.

Japan had developed an important export doll industry during and following the First World War, initially filling gaps in international markets caused by reduced availability of German dolls. Japanese manufacturers produced bisque, composition and later celluloid dolls in considerable variety, including numerous inexpensive miniature babies and novelty dolls.

The pair is accompanied by individual pink felt sleeping bags or bunting-style wraps, edged with green blanket stitching and a narrow line of orange stitching. I would not describe these as original factory clothing without further evidence.They may be period-made accessories or later handmade additions.

The dolls retain a substantial amount of their original dark painted finish, although there are visible areas of surface loss and abrasion, particularly to the limbs, heads and around the joints. Some lighter underlying bisque is exposed. Their painted eyes and mouths remain readily visible and the jointed limbs survive.

Features

Measurements: 100 mm high × 50 mm wide × 30 mm deep (4 inches)

Condition: Excellent

Markings: Made in Japan

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

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