Queen Anne Dolls - Masterpieces of Elegance and Craftsmanship
Queen Anne dolls became popular in England in the early 1700s, named after Queen Anne of Great Britain, who reigned from 1702 to 1714. These dolls were crafted by artisans who carved their bodies from wood, usually hardwoods like cherry or maple. Their heads and limbs were meticulously worked and painted. Their faces were made lifelike with detailed painting, using oil paint that provided a durable and elegant appearance. Some Queen Anne dolls were covered with textiles to create an even more natural effect. Most of them had painted hair, though some were given wigs made of real hair.
Similar to modern BJD dolls, Queen Anne dolls were designed with jointed limbs, allowing their arms and legs to move. This feature made them more lifelike and versatile, increasing their appeal to both children and collectors.
The clothing for Queen Anne dolls was made by skilled tailors who followed contemporary fashion. These garments were made from fine fabrics such as silk, velvet and lace. The details, such as embroidery, beads and ribbons, all contributed to the elegant appearance of the dolls. The tailors often created miniature replicas of adult clothing from that era, so the dolls'outfit accurately reflected the fashion of the time. Similarly, today's BJD enthusiasts often dress their dolls in custom-made outfits that reflect a wide range of styles, from historical to modern fashion.
The dolls' outfits were often more expensive than the average person's clothing – a situation also occurs with BJD outfits. At that time, however, the detailed craftsmanship of the dolls' clothing reflected the family's wealth and social position.
Queen Anne dolls were primarily intended for the children of wealthy aristocratic families. These dolls were not just toys; they were often used for educational purposes to teach young girls about fashion and social customs. The owners of the dolls often hosted "tea parties" and other social events with their dolls, learning the rules of etiquette and proper behavior, thus playing an important role in children's upbringing and social integration. This aspect is also reflected in today's BJD community, both at events and in online communities, where BJD fans share and learn customization techniques, fashion design, and storytelling through their dolls.
Today, Queen Anne dolls are rare and valuable collector's items. Their historical significance and refined craftsmanship are highly prized by collectors. These original dolls require careful maintenance due to their age and materials, which make them sensitive to damage.
While Queen Anne dolls and modern BJDs come from different eras, they share the common trait of being more than just toys. Both represent a blend of art, craftsmanship, and cultural significance, making them beloved by collectors and enthusiasts across generations.
Pantin Dolls - The Funny Entertainers of Homes
Pantin dolls, often referred to as Jumping Jack dolls, became popular in the 18th century, particularly in France. These movable dolls were caricature-like figures made from wood or cardboard. The unique feature of Pantin dolls was their jointed limbs, controlled by strings.
Unlike BJDs, where the purpose of jointed parts are posing, these dolls were made for jumping, dancing movements when the string was pulled. Their bodies and limbs were often flat and lightweight to ensure smooth and quick movements. The dolls were typically brightly painted and dressed in garish costumes to emphasie their playful appearance.
Pantin dolls were accessible to all social classes and were very popular in England, France, and Germany. French jurisconsult Edmond Barbier wrote in 1747 that "one cannot go into any house without finding a pantin hanging by the mantelpiece."
Wealthy families, especially among the French aristocracy, often used them at balls and celebrations, where the dolls' movements and ornate costumes provided joy and amusement for the guests. The dolls were often humorous and caricature-like figures that brought smiles to the faces of the viewers.
Today, Pantin dolls are valuable collector's items, highly prized by historians and doll collectors. The joy of collecting and the appreciation for these dolls span centuries, connecting the playful spirit of Pantin dolls with the artistic world of BJDs. And how does the story of dolls continue into the 19th century? Soon, you'll read about it here on our blog!
Images by Leslie O'Leary - leslieolearyart.com
and from dollmusem.blogspot.com