Question 1

Where did shadow puppets originate from?

Accepted Answer

It is believed that shadow puppetry originated in China during the Han Dynasty, which is more than two thousand years ago. Shadow plays feature transparent shapes or puppets that are worked against a screen and lit from behind. Their colors and details are seen by the audience, so they aren’t just a shadow but a much more dynamic representation. Shop a collection of Chinese puppets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Why are kachina dolls called dolls?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls are called dolls because their size and shape makes them resemble dolls. However, the figurines produced by the Hopi indigenous people have spiritual meaning and are used for religious purposes not as toys. On 1stDibs, shop a range of kachina dolls.

Question 3

What is a Ndebele doll?

Accepted Answer

A Ndebele doll is a type of colorful doll produced by the Ndebele people of Southern Africa. Traditionally, a man will place one outside of a woman's hut when he wishes to marry her. If she accepts the proposal, she takes the doll inside and gives it a name. Shop a range of Ndebele dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a fertility doll?

Accepted Answer

Akua'ba (also spelled Akwaba or Akuba) are wooden fertility dolls from Southern Ghana and the surrounding regions. These dolls are traditionally carried on the backs of young ladies who are trying to have a child or who want to ensure that the child they are carrying is attractive. Shop a variety of fertility dolls from 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a cage doll?

Accepted Answer

A cage doll, also called a Santos doll, is a doll that was used to create an altar in the home, especially in areas that did not have their own priest. These European dolls often resemble a religious figure, like Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint. The body is typical of a doll, while the base is a frame that looks like a cage. Shop an array of vintage cage dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a pincushion doll?

Accepted Answer

A pincushion doll, or half doll, is a porcelain figurine from the late 19th century. The top half was a doll resembling a woman, and the bottom half was a pincushion made to look like her skirt. On 1stDibs, find a collection of pincushion dolls from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 7

What is a geisha doll?

Accepted Answer

Geisha dolls are sculptural representations of geishas, which refers to a class of Japanese female entertainers. Geishas are women with training in various Japanese arts, including singing, dancing and poetry. They typically wear ornately decorated silk dresses and makeup that makes their faces appear very pale.

Question 8

When were wind up dolls invented?

Accepted Answer

There are legends and evidence of wind-up toys and sculptures dating back to antiquity, but modern wind-up dolls were being made in large quantities by the 19th century. Shop a collection of antique wind-up toys from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a Kewpie doll worth?

Accepted Answer

A kewpie doll’s worth is determined by its size and material used. A 10-inch Kewpie with a bisque head, composition body, and glass eyes is worth $6,500 while a 20-inch doll is valued at $20,000. Many of the original, small-sized German-produced bisque Kewpies range from $200–$500. Check out the different Kewpie dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How do I identify a Skookum doll?

Accepted Answer

To identify Skookum dolls, first study their faces. The faces of the dolls always seem to look off to the side. Some have a label that says "Skookum Bully Good" on one foot. On 1stDibs, shop a range of expertly vetted Skookum dolls.

Question 11

What is a Santos cage doll?

Accepted Answer

A Santos cage doll is a type of Santos doll that has a cage below the torso, while the torso and head are shaped like a doll. Santos dolls originated in the 17th and 18th centuries as carvings of saints, and are beloved by collectors worldwide today. Shop a collection of antique Santos cage dolls on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 12

What do kachina dolls symbolize?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls symbolize good health and prosperity. Giving one as a gift is a way of showing that you wish good things for a person. In addition, the Hopi believe they link physical and spiritual worlds. You'll find a range of kachina dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is the meaning of kokeshi dolls?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of the term "kokeshi dolls” refers to Japanese dolls carved out of wood. Typically, the dolls depict men or women. You can easily identify them by their round heads and cylindrical armless bodies. On 1stDibs, find a range of kokeshi dolls.

Question 14

Are Kewpie dolls valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Kewpie dolls are valuable. Size and materials largely determine their value, with large dolls that feature bisque heads, composition bodies and glass eyes being those most highly sought after by collectors. The condition of a doll and its age will also impact how much it's worth. To get an estimate of the value of a particular doll, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a collection of Kewpie dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can you tell if a KAWS doll is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a KAWS doll is real, familiarize yourself with the details of the particular KAWS figure you are interested in purchasing. Learn what has been released. For example, was a certain model ever produced in a particular colorway? Or with certain dimensions? Look up images from reliable sources. The XX logo on a KAWS figure is one of the most recognizable features and can be a helpful indicator of authenticity if you know where to look for it. In many toys, it is incorporated into the anatomy or costume, like the six Xs on the Companion model. On the KAWS Separated and Passing Through Companion, it is on the hands and feet. Be wary of KAWS toys with Xs that are misaligned, smudged or show bleeding. Look closely to make sure the X eyes are symmetrical. If you need assistance with authentication, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of KAWS figures.

Question 16

How do the Popovy sisters make their dolls?

Accepted Answer

To make their dolls, the Popovy sisters create molds and then fill them with a blend of polyurethane and porcelain. Then, they assemble the dolls, paint them by hand and apply hair made out of natural silk or wool. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Popovy Sisters art.

Question 17

What is the symbolic meaning of a kachina doll?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls are often given as gifts of hope, abundance and wealth. Each Kachina has its own attributes and the dolls are meant to represent those characteristics. Find a collection of vintage and modern Kachina dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What are Native American dolls called?

Accepted Answer

There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How much is a vintage Barbie doll worth?

Accepted Answer

Vintage Barbie dolls can sell for up to $25,000 at auction. The most popular vintage Barbies are from the 1960s.

Question 20

How much is a Shirley Temple doll worth today?

Accepted Answer

What a Shirley Temple doll is worth depends on its age and condition. Shirley Temple dolls from 1957 sell for a lot more than Shirley Temple dolls from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dolls from 1957 cost around $100 on average. The price difference is influenced by the size, outfit, condition, and whether or not the original packaging is still present. Find a range of antique and vintage toys on 1stDibs.

Dolls And Puppets

Vintage 1950s French Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Set of 3 Early 20th Century French Hand carved Puppet Heads

Antique 1750s Italian Baroque Models and Miniatures

Late Baroque Italian Miniature Model of a Chest of Drawers with Flap, circa 1750

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Toys and Dolls

Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet, Chaozhou Doll, Qing Dynasty

Vintage 1940s French Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Mid-20th Century Negro and Punch Puppets

Vintage 1950s Toys and Dolls

1950s Paper Mache Puppet

Antique 1890s Chinese Victorian Toys and Dolls

19th Century Terracotta Orpah Puppet

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Toys and Dolls

Early 20th Century Chinese Opera Puppet

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Toys and Dolls

Early 20th Century Chinese Opera Puppet

Vintage 1960s Italian Toys and Dolls

Ancient Sicilian Puppet, Rinaldo, Italy, 1960s

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Toys and Dolls

Late 19th century French Puppet Opera Theater

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Four German Steiff Lion Monkey Rabbit Hand Puppets

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Beautiful Devil Krampus Marionette by a Puppet Maker, Antique Vintage Austria

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Petite Devil Krampus Marionette by a Puppet Maker, Antique Vintage Austria

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Large Devil Krampus Marionette by a Master Puppet Maker, Antique Vintage Austria

Early 20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Group of Five Vintage Puppets, Newar People of Nepal, Early 20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

1950s Walt Disney s Pinocchio Plaid Hand Puppet by Gund Mfg Company New York

Early 20th Century Nepalese Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Vintage Puppet, Newar People of Nepal, Early 20th Century, on a Metal Stand

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Japanese Oshie Pressed Textile Samurai Framed Shadow Puppet Doll

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Japanese Oshie Pressed Textile Samurai Warrior Framed Shadow Puppet Doll

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Antique Hand Made Paper Mache Hand Puppet Stand Folk Art Doll Sculpture

20th Century Canadian Primitive Sculptures and Carvings

Inuit Arctic Region Folk Art Bone Hand Carved Doll Puppet Child s Toy

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Jewelry Boxes

Antique French 19th Century Jewelry Box Flap Door Miniature Wood Cabinet

Late 20th Century American Modern Portrait Photography

Ralph Eugene MeatyardUntitled (Boy Making Gesture) [Michael and Christopher], 1959/1974

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Toys and Dolls

Skeleton Puppet

Vintage 1930s American Toys and Dolls

Ventriloquist s Puppet

Early 20th Century Indonesian Toys and Dolls

Pair of Early 20th Century Indonesian Puppets

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

German Skeleton String Puppet on Stand, circa 1900

Antique Early 1900s Italian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Early 20th Century Large Carved Wooden Devil Puppet

Vintage 1960s American Toys and Dolls

1960 s Alka Seltzer Puppet Mid century folk art

Early 20th Century Dutch Toys and Dolls

First Half of the 20th Century Large Size Dutch Hand Puppet Theatre

Vintage 1950s Toys and Dolls

Set Of 4 Steiff Animal Hand Puppets Fox/rabbit/tiger/dog

Mid-20th Century German Toys and Dolls

Vintage Hand Puppet Dolls, Marionette Dolls, Germany, 1950s

Vintage 1910s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Wood Skeleton Puppet

Mid-20th Century Czech Toys and Dolls

Devil Marionette by the Master Puppet Maker of Prague, Milos Kasal, 1940s

Dolls And Puppets For Sale on 1stDibs

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Ralph Eugene Meatyard
Untitled (Boy Making Gesture) [Michael and Christopher], 1959/1974