My latest acquisition... 2 very knackered and ever so slightly creepy vintage boudoir dolls. I love them! They were made in Paris in the 1920's and were very popular, not with children, but with ladies of society who used them as fashion accessories.
The dolls were often dressed in very ornate and detailed outfits that reflected fashions and trends that were popular at the time, even the hairstyles were dressed accurately to the time period. Boudoir dolls are usually characterized by their ornate, long limbs, thin bodies and little hands. These two of mine are dressed in Russian style garments.
After WW1, there was an influx of Russian refugees to Paris, and Slavic handicrafts, art and fashions became very popular and somewhat of a fad. Many dolls were made with this influence in mind, particularly in the largest Parisienne workshop run by a Mrs Lazareva (a Russian refugee). I am pretty sure these dolls would have been two of her designs.
I have had mixed reactions about my dolls... some people love them and some can't even look for fear of being possessed! I think they are quite charming. I'm not sure where to put them yet. They won't stand up and the one in the hat has a very wobbly head. Maybe I can hang her up somehow.... hmmm I'll keep you posted.
