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DS1987-134
Doll, painted wood and silk gown with leading strings
DS1987-134

Doll, painted wood and silk gown with leading strings

Date1775-1785
OriginEngland or Europe, Germany
MediumWood, gesso, paint, glass, hair; clothing includes silk gown; silk and wool petticoat; cotton shift; silk and worsted petticoat; wool wig caul.
DimensionsOH: 17"
Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors
Object number1971-1739,A-E
DescriptionDoll A) Wooden head with sparse brown human hair, shaped inset nose, black glass eyes, painted mouth, dotted lashes and brows. Upper arms are of stuffed cloth. Lower arms end with long fingers having articulated nails. The long-waisted torso has mortise-tenon hip joints and pinned joints at knees with crudely chamfered legs, painted white.

Clothing B) Gown with long tapered lead-strings, is fashioned of ivory taffeta (lustring) with ombre stripes alternating with fancy warp-float stripes in shades of yellow, brown, rust, mauve. Bodice, which laces at back with yellow silk cord (and original metal tips to facilitate lacing), is plain in front. Gown skirt closes in back and has deeply pleated side fullness. The low neckline and elbow- length sleeves are trimmed with ivory silk gauze lace. C) The petticoat is Persian ivory silk lined with white tammy, and quilted in an all-over pattern of diamonds, with which is worn a white linen pocket with corded decoration, holding a small handkerchief. D) Linen shift and stays. E) Pair of leather-soled shoes of yellow silk damask. (No stockings.) F) Cap is white net with grey-blue silk ribbon petal trim.
Label TextDespite the apparently adult figure, this doll's clothing represents that of a child. Like children's gowns, this garment laces in the back and is fitted with leading strings, or strips of self-fabric, sewn to the shoulders. The striped textile and the construction of the gown and petticoat are typical of 1770 to 1780 fashions.
ProvenanceTag attached reads: "Queen Ann Doll all clothes, shoes, cap original; same with pink dress (#G1971-1739). Both from JOHL Collection - Velvallea Dickenson Oct. 19, 1940." (Janet Pagter Johl)