Manufactured in Paris by the noted doll maker Edouard Chauviere, this type of doll was often described as a 'fashion doll' since her clothing carefully copied the dress of stylish women right down to her underwear, fine kid shoes and silk stockings. The doll is a reminder of the lavish presents given to some children in the mid 1800s when the concept of childhood and imaginative play was being developed. They also reflect advances in mass production techniques which made bisque dolls more affordable than the earlier wax headed dolls. However the fine detail of the dolls, particularly the painting of eyes, cheeks and mouth was completed by hand, often done by children employed in the factories.

This doll, its clothing and accessories was designed and made by Edouard Chauviere in France between 1870-1880.

Edouard Chauviere was from the Chauviere family of doll makers that had been producing dolls in Paris from at least 1848.

From the Anne Schofield Collection and displayed by her as part of the 'Seen but not heard' exhibition at the Queen Street Galleries in 1978.

Eduouard Chauviere was at An Nain Bleu in the Boulebarde des Capucines, Paris, in the 1890s specialising in jointed bebes.

Doll, clothing and accessories, female, designed and made by Edouard Chauviere, France, 1870-1880

Fashion doll with bisque head and shoulder plate with a white kid body. The doll features moulded blonde hair, blue glass eyes, red painted lips, black painted eyelashes and a pair of white earrings. The doll is dressed in a green printed cotton and brown taffeta skirt and jacket with lace trim and the inside is lined with stiff white cotton. Underneath the skirt are white cotton undergarments including a petticoat, bloomers, knitted white stockings and pair of black leather shoes. The doll is also carrying a matching parasol and straw hat trimmed with a silk bow.

Doll's clothing and accessories include:
Jacket, in green printed cotton;
Skirt, featuring alternate rows of brown taffeta and green printed cotton;
Short white cotton petticoat edged with narrow band of lace over a pleated petticoat;
White cotton chemise edged with machine made lace;
White bloomers with cuff of drawn thread and white embroidered flowers with lace frill around the hem;
White and red striped knitted cotton stockings;
Black patent shoes with silver buckle on front and sides and a high heel;
Parasol held in the doll's hand, made from matching green floral fabric with turned ivory handle, ivory ferrule and ivory tips to brass frame of parasol;
Straw hat.

Designer: Chauviere, Edouard; France

Maker: Chauviere, Edouard; France; 1870 - 1880


Owner: Schofield, Anne; Australia

User: unknown; 1978

See parts

A10792