The provided sources primarily detail a collection of dolls, figurines, and household items offered for auction. Within this assortment, a recurring motif emerges: porcelain dolls, specifically “Precious Moments Birthstone Angel ‘August’” and various other dolls from manufacturers like Danbury Mint, Ashton-Drake, and Jesco, including Kewpie dolls. While a direct, comprehensive discussion of birthstones as gemstones is absent, the presence of a “Precious Moments Birthstone Angel” and numerous porcelain dolls suggests a cultural connection between dolls, birth months, and collectible artistry, particularly during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This article will focus on the collectible aspect of these dolls, specifically the Precious Moments Birthstone Angels and related porcelain figures, drawing inferences about their significance as representations of birthstones within a specific collecting context. The information is limited to the provided auction catalog excerpts and does not offer a broader gemological or historical overview of birthstones themselves.
The Rise of Collectible Porcelain Dolls
The late 20th century witnessed a surge in the popularity of collectible porcelain dolls. Manufacturers like Danbury Mint, Ashton-Drake, and Jesco capitalized on this trend, producing limited-edition dolls often themed around specific events, characters, or, as evidenced by the auction catalog, birth months. These dolls were not merely toys; they were presented as art objects, often meticulously crafted and marketed towards adult collectors. The appeal lay in their perceived artistic value, the limited-edition nature fostering exclusivity, and the emotional connection collectors formed with the characters or themes represented.
The sources indicate a significant presence of dolls from these manufacturers, including examples from Yolanda Bello, Elke Hutchens, and Kathy Barry. These dolls were often accompanied by certificates of authenticity and displayed on stands, further emphasizing their status as collectibles rather than playthings. The auction catalog lists dolls from 1982 through 2008, demonstrating a sustained production and collector interest over several decades.
Precious Moments and the Birthstone Series
The “Precious Moments Birthstone Angel ‘August’” listed in the auction catalog is a key indicator of the intersection between collectible dolls and the concept of birthstones. Precious Moments, a brand known for its sentimental and often religiously themed figurines, created a series of angel dolls, each representing a different birth month. These dolls were designed to embody the characteristics associated with their respective birthstones, offering a personalized collectible item.
The catalog entry specifies a doll representing August, suggesting a connection to the birthstone for that month (though the specific gemstone is not mentioned in the provided sources). The dolls were likely marketed as gifts for newborns or as personal collectibles for individuals born in that month. The popularity of Precious Moments, combined with the enduring appeal of birthstone symbolism, likely contributed to the success of this series.
Kewpie Dolls: A Long-Standing Tradition
Alongside the Precious Moments angels, the auction catalog features a substantial number of Kewpie dolls manufactured by Jesco and Effanbee. Kewpie dolls have a long and fascinating history, originating in the early 20th century as characters in newspaper comic strips. These dolls, with their distinctive large eyes and rosy cheeks, quickly gained popularity and were mass-produced in various materials, including bisque and composition.
The catalog entries detail numerous Kewpie dolls produced between 1993 and 2008, showcasing a revival of interest in this classic doll. Jesco, in particular, produced a wide range of Kewpie dolls in different outfits and themes, including anniversary editions, holiday-themed dolls, and dolls representing characters from popular stories like The Wizard of Oz. While not explicitly linked to birthstones, the variety and collectibility of these Kewpie dolls demonstrate a broader trend of nostalgic collecting and the enduring appeal of character-based figurines.
Porcelain Dolls from Other Manufacturers
The auction catalog also includes dolls from Danbury Mint, Ashton-Drake, and other manufacturers. These dolls, often crafted from porcelain, represent a high level of artistry and detail. The catalog lists dolls by designers such as Diana Effner and Elaine Campbell, indicating a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
The dolls are described with details such as their size, material, and any notable features (e.g., stains, cracks). The presence of dolls with imperfections suggests that the auction includes both pristine collectibles and items with some wear and tear, catering to a range of collectors and budgets. The variety of dolls from different manufacturers highlights the competitive nature of the collectible doll market during this period.
The Role of Manufacturers and Marketing
The sources reveal the importance of manufacturers like Jesco, Effanbee, Danbury Mint, and Ashton-Drake in shaping the collectible doll market. These companies actively marketed their products to collectors, often through limited editions, certificates of authenticity, and themed series. The use of established characters like Kewpie and the creation of new series like the Precious Moments Birthstone Angels demonstrate a strategic approach to appealing to different segments of the collecting community.
The catalog entries also suggest a focus on nostalgia and sentimentality. Dolls representing classic characters or themes, such as The Wizard of Oz or Christmas, were likely marketed to collectors seeking to recapture childhood memories or celebrate cherished traditions. The emphasis on detail and craftsmanship further enhanced the perceived value of these dolls, positioning them as art objects rather than mere toys.
A Snapshot of the Collectible Market
The auction catalog provides a snapshot of the collectible market during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The inclusion of dolls, figurines, and other collectibles suggests a thriving market driven by nostalgia, sentimentality, and the desire for unique and limited-edition items. The presence of both pristine and imperfect items indicates a diverse range of collectors with varying budgets and preferences.
The catalog also reflects broader economic trends, such as the impact of foreign imports on domestic manufacturing (mentioned in Source [2]). While the catalog itself does not focus on the economic factors influencing the collectible market, the reference to the National Brotherhood of Operative Potters (NBOP) and the challenges faced by domestic manufacturers provides a broader context for understanding the industry landscape.
Table of Doll Manufacturers Featured in the Auction Catalog
| Manufacturer | Notable Doll Types Featured | Years Represented |
|---|---|---|
| Jesco | Kewpie Dolls, Precious Moments | 1993-2008 |
| Effanbee | Kewpie Dolls | 1999-2001 |
| Danbury Mint | Porcelain Dolls | 1982-1999 |
| Ashton-Drake | Porcelain Dolls | 1993-2003 |
| Precious Moments | Birthstone Angels | 1994 |
| Yolanda Bello | Porcelain Baby Dolls | 1994-2001 |
| Lee Middleton | Rubber Kewpie Dolls | 1997 |
Conclusion
The provided sources, while limited in scope, offer a glimpse into the world of collectible porcelain dolls, particularly those associated with birth months and sentimental themes. The “Precious Moments Birthstone Angel” series and the numerous Kewpie dolls represent a cultural trend of combining collectible artistry with personal symbolism. The auction catalog highlights the importance of manufacturers like Jesco, Danbury Mint, and Ashton-Drake in shaping the market and appealing to collectors seeking unique and cherished items. While the sources do not provide a comprehensive overview of birthstones themselves, they demonstrate the enduring appeal of birthstone symbolism within the context of collectible dolls and figurines. The information presented is based solely on the provided auction catalog excerpts and should not be considered a definitive guide to birthstones or the broader collectible doll market.