KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Doll

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Toru Kogure

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Doll

Early 18th century - England

Material
Wooden figure with glass eyes, height of doll is 55 cm; white silk brocade robe and shoes; linen chemise; linen corset; two of quilted linen petticoats; knitted silk stockings; quilted linen pocket.
Dimension
55cm (height of doll)
Inventory Number(s)
AC1774 78-41-178

This doll dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. Though the doll has the proportions of an adult woman and its arms and legs can move, its dress is that of a young girl's. The streamers of matching fabric at the back of the dress is the remains that they helped adults to assist the child who was learning to walk; they also became customary until teenage girls. Furthermore, the dress is laced up in the back, another characteristic of young girls' dress. The textile was woven by a popular plant design of the time in various colors. Underneath the dress, a minute fine quilting petticoat, pockets, corset, knit stockings, and matching cloth shoes are worn. In the 18th century, there were the doll for children's toys and the doll for conveying the fashion. During this period before the advent of magazines, fashion dolls or Pandora were periodically sent from Paris to royal courts all over Europe. Fashion dolls faithfully wore the latest fashion and conveyed Paris fashion.

1700s-1750s