Well, this proves yet again that one can find anything on the internet. Even on eBay, as advertised. I have been shopping for dolls online to see what collections are available for sale. To give you more up-to-date information than I had previously posted. It seems the Brenda Price Dolls from Historic Royal Palaces seem to be coming to an end. The shop only has a Henry VIII doll, all the queens are sold out and not shown on the site. One can find older versions of the costume dolls via eBay and Etsy. The mid 80’s size is 14”-16” tall, the late ’90s and the ’00s are 13” tall. I have most from the late 90’s and early 00’s size so, I have other 16th century characters from the late ’80s from the Brenda Price line of dolls. Her Etsy shop seems closed and since the website is bare-bones for more dolls, best to say that this has ended for new stock.
In the meantime, I found sites that are selling porcelain dolls that are made in Russia. I am hesitant to order, in case it's a business front for something else. The dolls are dressed in various different eras. There are nicely made dolls with very nice faces. There are several styles; Cranach/Kampfrau German dolls the site has three kinds. Three kinds of French-dressed dolls and one Elizabethan doll. There are three different Italian dolls, three different French-style dolls. Very tempting but I am being careful. The more detail of the doll the more pricey it becomes, prices vary on the site. Although still less with shipping than the Brenda Price dolls. So looking into these dolls but being cautious, since spammers live on the internet and can make a convincing website. These Saxony/Cranach dolls are decent versions of the costumes, I could definitely use these as inspiration.
Did find many more wood dolls downstairs in my stash. Many of those I forgot about but when you have many stocked supplies. Situations of extra stock of said supplies happen. Oh no, I have to make more dolls in historical clothing. (Cue evil laugh). They are cute will have to see if I can make these more simple faces too, good to do some research.
Here are the other images of some of these other dolls by the same Russian vendor site. There are two different Spanish-dressed dolls too. An Elizabethan-dressed doll and a Dutch 17th century dressed doll. I decided to bite the bullet and order but used my Paypal for paying with credit, so as to not directly give credit information on their site. I do wonder if the ones that are coming will be just as nice as the pictures? Will give feedback on that when they arrive in the mail. The one site I was on Etsy and another an eBay shop, but limited stock compared to their independent website. Granted I know many small businesses who do the same thing in the USA, so we shall see. I was able to use Paypal, so if I don't get the doll in a reasonable period of time, will give it a month. So I have some protection on my foreign purchase.
The Evelt dolls are of nice quality and are close to the price of the Brenda Price dolls. It's about $250 new for Brenda Price dolls new, Evelt is about $80-$100. Now that the only ones that are available are used dolls in various states of condition and are rare. The prices for Evelt dolls vary more than previously purchased new. Although the Evelt historical dolls are very difficult to find that depict medieval royalty of Europe. Queen Elizabeth I doll by Evelt was not based on any portrait. Although with all the gold lace she still looks impressive purple dress and ruffs galore, it's a fantasy design to a trained eye. Although there is one available online, I am not interested in that doll since it’s not representative of the styles of that time.
I purchased a head hands and feet from a seller on Etsy, for a future Queen Elizabeth I doll I will make. It was advertised as Abigail Adams doll much bigger pieces than I thought. Which is fine bigger is okay in this case. With the bright red hair and bright eyes, I know I could make this doll look like an awesome Queen Elizabeth. I just have to find an inspiration outfit. Recently took stock of lace in my stash, all set in that department. I can make it look better than the doll you see to your right, challenge excepted.
Thought I would share the images of the Russian-made; historically dressed porcelain dolls with you. I find them lovely and whomever the artist is should sell them for much more than what they set the prices at online. Granted as an artist, I am aware that if these are made as a stock order. The artists will have little control over the purchasing business setting prices on one's final art.
I noticed that some of the earlier pictures of these Russain made dolls from this company seem to be much more detailed depictions of historical dresses. More trim, more lace, and more exacting to scale details similar to the original garments they are trying to emulate in miniature. I know the kind of patience this takes, and full credit is given to the artist.
So as mentioned previously, I have ordered a 16th- Century French dressed doll
and a 17th-century Dutch-dressed doll. So hoping that both come in good shape, I have been keeping an eye on the tracking. So far one has made it through US customs, the other hasn't moved in several days. Although that is not unusual with international mail, luckily this is not an expensive delivery guarantee service. I have alerts out for more of the French-dressed, Dutch-dressed, and German-dressed dolls since those are more unusual to come by compared to the English Tudor-dressed dolls. Plus it's nice to have variety in the collection.
Now find good quality cabinets, to keep the dust and cats away. Although with the quality variety of these dolls wish I found these Russian ones years ago, would have had a larger collection by now. Most of these early dolls are just exquisite, will have to keep the pictures for inspiration.
Many of these dolls I have placed notifications for on the website of this Russain company. It's a feature their website offers, so might as well use it. Hoping they track the notification requests to generate orders, that would smart thing to do. The company does allow the ordering of custom dolls. Although this increases the price by over 11 times the listed price. I have no problem being patient for a year or so. Although it's nice to know they have options to order a custom doll, despite the increased price.
With the skills and stash, that I possess. It would be easier to make an investment of time, and just make the dolls myself. Although they would not be porcelain and created for my own amusement. Since much of this clothing is past 1603, would not be within the SCA period. Although I have been an admirer of 17th-century European fashions for some time.
At this point, I can take the various wooden doll blanks I have collected and make my own versions of these exquisite outfits. I think many of these dolls will not be made again. This is sad since they are quite an affordable price for the quality of the art. Plus anything I create will not be an exact copy. Plenty of options for making dolls inspired by works of art and other makers too.
Thanks for indulging me in my little obsession, lol. They are quite fun and the best part is whatever is made helps me keep my skills sharp for the future. All good things, even though there is an investment of time and materials. The finished doll always is an enjoyable feeling of success. Will definitely need more space if I intend on making all of these as pictured. What a pleasant quandary to have.
Hoping you have enjoyed this detailed little gallery. Certainly, I have had fun gathering all the pictures to share with you. Some dolls are post-period but the 17th century is not far represented in clothing history as it should be in retrospect. Yay pretty dolls!
Regards,
Marrin
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