This fantastic set of antique faux bamboo doll furniture reflects the European fascination with the far East after trade opened with China and Japan in the 1860s. “Chinoiserie” furniture that incorporated Asian motifs became popular in Europe. However, bamboo was too fragile for heavier European furniture, so companies began creating faux bamboo furniture using hardwoods. This period also saw a shift in the attitude toward childhood. Instead of treating children as miniature adults, children (at least those fortunate enough to be born into the more affluent or rising middle class), were seen as innocent beings who must be gently guided and educated, often through play. Little girls were encouraged to play with dolls in order to learn how to sew, keep house, and prepare for motherhood. German and French companies provided these little girls not only with fine quality lady dolls of bisque and china, but also all the necessary accessories, including doll-sized furniture reflecting the popular styles of the day, such as faux bamboo. The French company Choumer and Collet began making doll furniture in 1867 and later contracted with the American toy store FAO Schwarz. Faux bamboo doll furniture was exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition.
Toy armoires, like this one, featured mirrored doors, as well as shelves for storing doll clothing and linen.
The doll versions reproduced in miniature all the details of the full-sized furnishings, such as beveled mirrors and elaborate drawer pulls.
This diminutive dressing table features a white marble top, a swivel mirror, and even racks on the sides for holding towels.
The night stand has a cabinet for secreting the chamberpot.
All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!
3936-205, 206, 207
No comments:
Post a Comment