Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Identify Bisque Dolls

Bisque dolls originated in Europe. They were made in Germany and France and eventually went to makers in China. Sometimes they are referred to as China dolls. Bisque dolls are one of the first dolls to have an open mouth. They are different than most other dolls in the way they are made and look.

Instructions

- 1
  Recognize the texture of the bisque doll head. Bisque dolls are made of unglazed porcelain. When touching the bisque, it feels smooth. They are breakable and heavy as well.
- 2
  Look at how the eyebrows and eyelashes are painted. Bisque dolls have eyebrows that are feathered, while the upper and lower eyelashes are individually painted.
- 3
  Notice the eyes of bisque dolls. Most of the dolls have glassy, expressive eyes. They are colorful and realistic. Few eyes are painted on.
- 4
  Check the cheeks and lips of bisque dolls. The cheeks are rosy, adding color to a soft white-colored head. The mouth is typically opened and the lips are finely painted a similar color as the cheeks.
- 5
  Analyze the body of a bisque doll. Look at what the dolls are made of. Bisque dolls are made up of cloth, leather, paper mache or composition. Composition is made up of glue mixed with sawdust. Older bisque doll bodies were made up completely of bisque (unglazed porcelain), but they were eventually changed to lighter and less breakable material.
- 6
  Measure the size of the bisque doll. If the doll is made completely of bisque, it will be a half-inch tall. All of the other bisque dolls can be as tall as 5 feet.

Antiques