Half dolls #0033

The collector: Rosy Burman, Warwickshire, UK.

The collection: Half dolls (also known as pin cushion dolls or dresser dolls).

The story behind the collection...

I started collecting these little female torsos on behalf of my Mum. She had two of the little figurines, which she really loved and so, no birthday or Christmas was complete without a new ‘Little Lady’ as a present. I used to find them quite easily in junk/antique shops as they weren’t particularly collectable and therefore, very cheap. I find them now in the locked glass display cases of Antique Dealers with very high price tags.

They have been living in my cellar, carefully swathed in bubble wrap since I inherited them from my Mum. Now that I have re-discovered them, I shall find my own display case to put them on show.

I believe that they were used as the tops of tea cosies, boudoir feather dusters or knitted modesty coverings in the shape of crinolines for items that were too embarrassing to have on display. There are holes in the bottom of the figure to attach to the fabric/knitting.

More about half dolls...

Most of them were produced in Germany in the early part of the 20th century (1900-1920).  Art Deco models were later introduced.  They are generally made of porcelain and vary from delicate and finely painted examples to more crudely painted and poorly moulded pieces.

They were often found on pin cushions and also on powder boxes and various other objects that might be found on a ladies dressing table.

Some of the finer dolls were made by Goebel, Heubach and Dressel and Kister. They come in a variety of often alluring poses.  Some have their arms held away from the body, perhaps touching their hair or resting on their hip.  A more complex moulding process was required for these pieces and this is usually reflected in the higher prices they typically command.

Rosy's collection of netsuke is also featured on Obsessionistas. #009 Netsuke

Further reading: Half-Dolls Price Guide.

Images by Helen Powell with the kind permission of Rosy Burman.