Getting Started Collecting Porcelain Dolls
Who says dolls are for kids? Today, porcelain dolls are the second best collectable item. Porcelain and bisque are considered antique and are therefore highly valued. These dolls are also beautiful, giving a unique charm to your home. Collectors need to be aware of any information regarding collecting porcelain dolls in order to build a good collection that will be the envy of every collector - and kid!
The dolls are normally hand crafted and hand painted from excellent quality porcelain. The subtle expressions and eloquent poses are captured by the artist, increasing their value even more. Each and every minute detail is paid attention to when a collectible porcelain doll is appraised, as even minor damage to it, especially the face, will bring its value down.
How expensive they are depends on the popularity of the artist and the quantity of similar dolls produced. Since dolls have been around for years, for collectors and adults who purchase these dolls, it provides a wonderful trip back in memory. The exquisite beauty of these dolls will remind you why you always loved dolls.
If you wish to start collecting, you must first decide what type of doll you would like to collect. After that, research the type of doll you have chosen. Duplicates of porcelain dolls are common, so be cautious and study your options carefully before buying one. Also understand the antique value of the doll before you invest in it. This will help you save money.
Doll collection can be addictive. It is not like collecting vinyl dolls or other types of dolls. Although it does take you back to your childhood, there is fierce competition to face once you become a collector. You will have porcelain doll shows to attend, socialize with other collectors and keep a look out for any new porcelain doll in the market. Once you fall in love with these dolls, you will want to possess every one of them. There are several types of porcelain dolls that you will come across, so picking the one you want to collect can be quite over-whelming. Here are the few common types you will come across:
Handcrafted Porcelain Dolls
These dolls are made by an artist in limited numbers and each piece is unique. No two dolls will look the same. This type of porcelain doll is extremely valuable, for its sheer uniqueness and beauty. The popularity of the artisan adds more value to it.
Antique Porcelain Dolls
There are antique porcelain dolls that are scarcely found. When you do come across one that seems antique, make sure you verify its details, as very realistic replicas of these beautiful dolls are made. These duplicates are sold in flea markets, garage sales and antique shops, to make them seem exactly like the original collectible. Do not be fooled by such replications. Be sure to cross-check with experts before you invest in an antique porcelain doll.
Limited Edition Porcelain Dolls
This is a very popular variety of porcelain dolls. Although they are mass-produced, it is only in limited numbers. For instance, a Christmas collection might be released in the festive season and it will sell like hot cakes! Make sure you buy limited edition dolls from a well-known collector or seller of porcelain dolls.
Porcelain Doll Reproductions
As I mentioned before, there are hundreds of people all over the world manufacturing phonies and duplications of the rare and antique porcelain dolls, as well as many other types of dolls.
Porcelain dolls are made especially in specific countries. There are Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Persian, Native American, Indian and many other ethnic porcelain dolls. They also make for excellent gifts! Whether it is your child or a special person, a unique porcelain doll can be a memorable gift to give.
Collecting dolls is one of the best hobbies, as it always keeps you young at heart. These porcelain dolls, when displayed in the right manner, can be a true collector's pride adding character to your home as well. Being surrounded by beautiful dolls such as these is sure to add happiness to your home. Porcelain dolls are wonderful collectibles, as they are very valuable and their value only appreciates with time. It is therefore a worthy investment.
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