A Brief History of Half Dolls
These lovely ladies first appeared in the mid 1800’s and have graced our homes periodically ever since; the height of their popularity being about 1920’s to 1940’s, and were used to adorn or hide an otherwise useful item or solely as decoration. Some of their uses as their names suggest are, pincushion, broom whisk, teacosy dolls. They come in all different shapes, actions, colours and sizes, ranging from approximately 2cm upwards. The largest that I have seen, to date, is 18cm high.
Renee' Derra began collecting them and then began to reproduce them in miniature. You can see where she made some into pin cushion dolls, whisk brooms, and bed dolls on our site.
This little doll is white glazed porcelain with a clear glaze and real gold details.
She is 3/4" tall.
Location Guide: Dollmakers Room in case 100