The Boudoir Doll

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(Meet Rose - A Special Commission - Art Deco Style - Dressed for a Tea Dance. Rose wears, soft pink linen calf length dressed with pleats trimmed in pink lace and satin rose. Her ensemble speaks very much of the upper class of her day with her deep rose velvet cloche hat, wrap and matching handbag. Her lace gloves and satin pumps complete her sophisticated look. Rose is 28inches tall)

 

The classic vintage Boudoir Doll, also known as Flapper, Bed, Smoker, Parlor, Salon and Art Deco doll were produced from the 1920s through to the 1940s and were generally designed in the Art Deco style. Some were produced prior to the 1920s. Boudoir dolls range in size from 20 to 32 inches and were made in a variety of materials. Although some had cloth faces the most common were composition dolls with moulded faces, décolletage and lower limbs. Bodies were normally made of fabric and stuffed. These dolls were long limbed and elaborately dressed.

Although referred to as dolls, the boudoirs were not created to be played with by children. Indeed, they were designed and marketed for the adult female market to gracefully adorn their boudoir or anywhere else they so chose to display them.

Considered decadent in their day they were often dressed and styled to reflected the spirit of the ‘Flapper' complete with cropped Marcel waves, elaborate headbands, feathers and cigarette seductively dangling from their deep red, bee-stung lips. Eyes were painted and shadowed seductively with heavily mascaraed eyelashes and strong rouge. Many were fashioned on the Silver Screen Goddesses of the day such as Mary Pickford and Theda Bara who were deemed to have racy immoral lifestyles.

Typically, the Boudoir doll lazed around all day on pillow bedecked beds while others were displayed outside the boudoir on shelving, armchairs and chaise longues.

The Boudoir dolls were produced throughout Europe and the U.S.A. Some of the more famous companies were Lenci and Anita Doll. The Boudoir Doll fell into decline during the war years at the end of the thirties and into the forties as factories closed. These forgotten beauties are now collectors items and are highly sought after.

Clothes can be removed for cleaning purposes but it is advisable to leave you doll fully dressed in order to avoid damage to her garments. Any washing should be done by hand and with a suitable detergent for delicate fabrics. I offer no washing instructions and so any attempt to clean the doll or her clothes is taken completely at the owner's risk. Do not leave dolls exposed to strong sunlight as their clothing will fade. Dolls will also gather mould in damp areas. Do not leave near exposed flames as clothing or hair may easily catch fire. A damp cloth or light brush will remove any dust build up.

My Boudoir Dolls make wonderful Special Occasion and Heirloom gifts. With proper care Boudoir Doll could be passed down for many generations to come.

If you would like more information about my Boudoir Dolls or would like to discuss a commission please contact me.