Hobbies And Interests
History
Paper dolls and figures date back to as early as 900 A.D. when a Japanese purification ceremony called for a paper figure to be dressed in a paper kimono and sent out to sea on a boat. Figures representing people created by the Balinese include leather puppets and dolls, although their clothing is not usually found separate. Pantins (jointed jumping jacks) are paper figures and puppets that were popular in the French court in the 1700s. In 1791, the "English Doll" appeared in a London advertisement. The figure represented a young girl along with a wardrobe of outfits. The "English Doll" is a prime example of the modern paper doll and the first to make the transition from adult ceremonial or curiosity item to child's entertainment.
Features
The Pantins of the French court were used to entertain the nobility through ridicule and jest. The paper dolls made for children encourage imaginative play. Modern paper dolls are often sold in soft cover books roughly the size of a small coloring book. The paper doll figures are set into slightly thicker card stock and laminated with a plastic sheen. The clothing may be created on similar paper or cardstock. The books are often themed either following a character or time period. Some teachers use paper dolls as educational material, particularly when discussing different time periods, period clothing and history.
Size
Paper dolls come in all shapes and sizes, but the standard is about 8 inches in height. Paper dolls may represent generic figures or popular characters, including Disney animated characters, the girls of the American Girls series and more. The clothing is measured to size and designed with tabs that allow the clothes to be fit over the doll and folded to keep it in place. The clothes can then be changed out easily.
Considerations
Paper dolls are fragile; due to their nature, they will break down over time even if a child does not rip them. Oils from skin and finger tips will gradually soak the paper and card stock, making it flimsier. The dolls are inexpensive due to being replaced often. Proper storage should include a dry, flat place where the paper figures will not be crushed, folded or torn. Children under the age of 5 are not advised to play with paper dolls, due to paper cuts, eating the paper and lack of tactile interest in the flat toys.
Theories/Speculation
Modern American fascination with paper dolls reached its height from 1930 to 1950. During the Great Depression, paper dolls were still affordable to everyone. The decline of interest in paper dolls began in the 1950s, however, with the advent of the Barbie doll. Interestingly enough, however, is that in the 1970s, paper doll versions of Barbie, her boyfriend Ken and her little sister Skipper began appearing. In the 1990s, paper doll Barbie and her friends were sought after by children and collectors alike.