Porcelain Collector's Doll (African-American Girl)
Decorative Art / Collectible Porcelain Doll • Mass-produced/Commercial Studio (possibly Paradise Galleries, Ashton-Drake, or similar manufacturer)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realistic Revivalism (Victorian-inspired nostalgia)
Medium & Technique
Bisque porcelain head and hands with hand-painted facial features; cloth stuffed body; synthetic fiber hair; cotton-blend textile clothing with lace trimmings.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16-20 inches in height; Three-dimensional figurine
Subject Description
A representation of a young African-American girl with curly black hair adorned with yellow and purple ribbons. She wears a plaid dress with a floral pattern and lace collar, blue shoes, and white knit socks.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some signs of display wear and flattening of the hair.
Estimated Market Value
USD $20 - $50
Auction Estimate
USD $15 - $40
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial retailer or mail-order catalog; common in private residential collections of the 1990s.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the late 20th-century trend of 'collectible' porcelain dolls designed for the adult decor market rather than play. Reflects the inclusion of diverse ethnic representations in the mass-market giftware industry.
Notable Features
Hand-painted blush on cheeks and detailed knit texture on socks; characteristic 'O' shaped mouth often found in 'realistic child' series.
Condition Issues
Frizzing and disarray of synthetic hair; minor dust accumulation in lace and fabric folds; slight fading of textile pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Gently dust with a soft brush; store in a pH-neutral environment away from direct sunlight to prevent further fabric degradation; keep in a temperature-controlled area to avoid porcelain crazing.