dolls

Dolls are human-like figures, often small and portable, designed to resemble people or animals. They have served as toys for play, as objects of display and collection, and as ritual or artistic aids in many cultures. Dollmaking is one of the oldest crafts, with examples in ancient civilizations using clay, wood, bone, cloth, or stone. The modern doll industry emerged in the 19th century with mass-produced bisque and porcelain dolls in Europe, followed by vinyl and rubber dolls in the mid-20th century. Today, dolls are produced in traditional handcrafts and in mass markets, in a wide range of materials and styles.

Common types include play dolls such as baby dolls, fashion dolls, and action figures; display dolls such as porcelain or resin collectibles; and specialty forms like rag dolls, wooden or cloth dolls, and ball-jointed dolls. Materials range from bisque porcelain and vinyl to cloth, wood, and composite plastics. Some dolls are designed as learning aids, puppets, or artistic sculptures, and some are produced as limited editions for collectors.

Dolls appear in folklore, storytelling, religious rituals, and education around the world. They have also influenced art and design and have become central to collector communities and museums. Across cultures, dolls reflect societal ideas about childhood, beauty, and gender, and they can function as cultural mirrors or tools for play and imagination.

Care and preservation depend on materials. Porcelain and bisque dolls require careful handling and climate control; vinyl can degrade with heat and light; cloth dolls need moisture protection and pest prevention. Cleaning is typically gentle, using soft brushes or cloth, with attention to joints and finishes.