Some Facts About Italian Dolls & Who Made Them

History

• The Lenci Company was the first manufacturer of Italian dolls and was started by Enrico and Elana Konig Scavini in 1919. Eros was another company that made Lenci-type dolls, but they were not of the same quality.

Types

• Italian dolls have been made in a range of characters, including a laughing samurai and a tennis player, both from 1929. The featured artist at the Lenci company was owner Madame Scavini, whose last creation was 1939's Gioia doll.

Features

• The main claim to fame of the Lenci Italian dolls was their intricate design and craftsmanship. The faces were oil-painted, ears were hand-sewn and double-felted, and heads could swivel. Their arms, shoulders and hips were jointed and their hair was hand-sewn into place.

Size and Value

• As of 2009, a 13-inch Lenci doll is worth between $750 and $1,000, a 17-inch doll is valued at between $1,500 and $2,000, and a 19-inch doll is worth between $1,700 and $2,500.

Considerations

• A Lenci doll will be marked with the Lenci name, have ornate and detailed clothing, an expressive face and eyes that look to the side.