August 16, 1987
By Helen M. Fagg
Vigo County Historical Society
‘Pincushion’ dolls flourished in ‘20s
Little porcelain figures--referred to as half-dolls or pincushion dolls--are tangible mementos of a light-hearted mood of the past.
They are not really dolls, because they were never intended as playthings. The name is used for want of a better title. They flourished for the first quarter of this century and were especially popular during the 1920s. Since the early 1930s, they have been made only by individual porcelain makers except for the Japanese dolls made during the occupational period after World War II.
The dolls range in size from less than 1 inch to 7 inches in height, with the average being about 3 1/2 inches. The majority of the dolls are of feminine figures but several figures of men and children also have turned up.
Many different models were made by several porcelain factories in Germany. The Japanese picked up the German molds and also produced a large number which were usually, but not always, inferior in the facial details and costume painting.
The dolls were put to many imaginative uses. Some were attached to pincushions and brushes. Others adorned powder boxes and powder puffs, perfume bottles, trinket boxes, hatpin holders, bridge tally pencils, sachet cushions, parasol handles, thimble holders, handkerchief and hosiery containers, glove and stationery boxes, and teapot lids. In Great Britain they were called tea-cosie dolls. Apparently the most popular use was for topping wire forms used to cover pots of steaming tea. The dolls’ padded skirts kept in the warmth of the afternoon brew.
The dolls have several common characteristics. They are made of porcelain, they represent only the torso of the human figure, and they have holes in the base.
There are exceptions. Other materials sometimes were used. A few dolls have complete figures, and some brush dolls do not have holes in the base.
Some of the dolls have painted blouses; some are nude. Most of the more desirable dolls hold such objects as a flower, a purse, a glove, opera glasses, a hair brush or a mirror. Some of the dolls are molded in one piece while others have extended arms which may or may not return to the body. A variety of different and often elaborate coiffures were used. Some wore three plumes showing that they were ladies of royal blood.
Pincushion dolls represent beautiful women, Flappers were popular. The dolls usually have colorful costumes and unusual accessories.
The dolls in the museum show two used of the porcelain figures. In their hay-day, they could be found in china and gift shops, and in the notion sections of department stores. They were sold mounted or unmounted.
The dolls were designed to please, to amuse and to distract. Today collectors search for them and prices have increased greatly from the time when they could be had for a song. They are fun to collect and a challenge to look for. What better way to keep a historical record of the things that appeal to the fun or frivolous side of human nature?
The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.