Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Some Of My Girls.....

Why can't I stop at just one?
It's an addiction affliction....
You know.....if one is "good," then "more than one is even better"???
Ummm....yeah.  That would be my philosophy.

I have this "problem"....with "collections."  If I have "one" of something, you can bet I probably have a mitt-full.  So, I thought, perhaps, I might amuse (annoy?) you (on a monthly-or-so basis?) by "sharing" some of my collections with you.  You know, kinda like a support group kinda thing?  Well, we'll see how it goes.

 For the debut collection, I thought I'd share some of my "girls."  Antique peg dolls.  Also called "Grodnertal" dolls, as this was the region (Groden Valley, Grodner Tal, and South Tyrol) in the Alps from whence the home industry that introduced them hailed.  They are actually some of the oldest surviving dolls. Generally, their heads and bodies were lathe-turned as one piece and they had simple peg joints, although some of the larger dolls had ball joints and even swivel waists.  They had elongated, graceful, proportions, nicely carved details, and usually sported painted slippers.  The dolls were sold undressed ("neked!") - and young girls would then make their clothing from scraps of fabric.

Somehow, they capture my heart.....A very queer mixture of infancy and matronliness in their little wooden faces.

Each is different.....
With their own unique personality.....

The shy, demure one....

The matronly, "simple," one....

The practical, serious, one.....

The sweet, kindly, one.....

  The haughty, pissed-off, one.....


And some are even more precious because they've been loved:

 

 But how I long for a real "tuck-comb" one:


 
After all, we're never too old to play with dolls.....

39 comments:

Woman Seeking Center said...

A wonderous collection Crow! I'm intrigued with each expression captured (and of course the pissed off darling sent me to fits of laughter)! I don't remember posing for it?!?! LOL

True and certain I count your concept of sharing your collections here as brilliant. Already I'm looking forward to seeing the next installment.

(and one is never too old to gather around themselves anything that connects them to times past, any items that carry joy)....
*Multiples of each are (IMHO)highly recommended*

PS email forthcoming!

Hugs x many

Issy

The Rusty Thimble said...

Oh my Robin I love your collection.

Unique dolls, the history behind a old doll is always interesting to me

I need some collections?? may have to find something to start collecting myself

Hugs
Brenda

Prims By The Water said...

Oohing and aahhing over this collection missy crow. My favorite is the shy one because she reminds me so much of myself...I have swampland available too. LOL Cannot wait for next month's post now. Take care and stay cool, Janice

Kim said...

Oh my gosh Girl, you have the coolest stuff. These gals are amazing. Naturally my fav is the haughty pissed off one - love her expression!

Carol Stuck said...

Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing. Each one is definitely unique and special. Wish they could tell their stories.

hugs!
Carol

Mugwump Woolies said...

Wow...they are all wonderful! I have always loved these little wooden treasures and have not even one! The one in the frame is so sweet...frame is lovely as well. Very nice collection, my fellow feathered friend. I love to share collections...and I really love to see those of others...thanks for sharing.
Robyn

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful collection, they are lovely.I'm not familiar with this type of doll, I think you have interpreted the facial expressions spot on!

Nothing wrong with the type of affliction you have, we get to enjoy them too!!!!!I will keep my eyes for you, I might come across one of them, if I do I will send it to you!

outjunking said...

I am glad you shared this with us. i found this very fun.

~Sara said...

That is quite a collection of dolls! Oh the stories they could tell. :) ~Sara

Cathy G. said...

I love your collection! Quite fascinating the history behind these dolls! It must be thrilling to find one with the original clothing as well!
Thank-you for sharing them and looking forward to more of your collections!! (notice I did not say addictions LOL!!)
Hugs!
Cathy G

Cindi said...

Those are awesome! I have never seen any. I look forward to seeing more of your collections!
Be blessed,
Cindi

Penny said...

What a great collection of dolls! I have never seen nor heard of this kind of doll, so your post has been a real learning experience for me! I am fascinated by them and their history.....
Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to seeing more of your collections!

Angela said...

Hmmm guess I have lived quite a sheltered life here in the deep south Miss Robin. A quite interesting post. Never heard of the dolls before. Such a special and unique collection. You pegged their personalities just right. Looking forward to your next collection of hidden treasures. Have a great week.
Angela

Bittersweetfolkart said...

Wow ..those are wonderful !!
Lucky girl !! :)

Ann said...

What a great collection - my FAV is the framed one. The frame and the doll compliment each other perfectly. I learned something new from you today - I'd never heard of these dolls before. Thanks for the lesson. ~Ann

annie said...

Just so great, you won't ever be lonely! They are a fine collection, Indeed!

annie said...

Just so great, you won't ever be lonely! They are a fine collection, Indeed!

Linda said...

What a great collection! I love them all!! Have a great evening!!

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Hi Robin,
Trying to play "catch up" as I have been playing hookie lately! I love this post and LOVE all the sweet dolls!! What girl, no matter her age, does not love a doll??
Thanks for sharing one of your "passions" with us!
Warm Blessings~~
Julie

Trace4J said...

Wonderful collection of treasures you have there.
I just love them.
I never like to think of myself to old for dolls or bears.
Its much more fun playing and staying young.
Joy
Trace

www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Shirlee said...

Lovely collection : )

Carmen and the Primcats said...

Love your dolls!!!


Carmen and the Primcats

Lee Hill Primitives said...

Beautiful dolls!

Stacy Kay Brais said...

Hi there!
It's been awhile so I peeked back at all you have been up to lately :)
I LOVE your patriotic displays!! Oh and this doll collection is simply wonderful.
Hugs!!
Stacy

frontporchprims said...

Oh my goodness Robin!! I've seen these in magazines before and think they are soooo neat. Your collection is awesome. I would have loved to have one as a child. This is a really neat post. TFS. -Steph-

Me and My Stitches said...

These are very interesting, unique and some a tad scary! Thanks for sharing your collection!

My Colonial Home said...

What a wonderful collection. I've seen these dolls but never knew the name for them.
Collecting is so much fun when it's something that is in your heart.
Some people collect 'because it's what's in right now' but a true collector like yourself can never have too many of the things they love. And I'm thinking you have them displayed quite tastefully.
Oh how I'd love to see your house in full view once!!!

Blessing and thanks so much for sharing.
Karen

Robyn ♥ said...

Love your collection! I think I'm liking the pissed off one the best...it's like looking in the mirror! ;)

Lil Raggedy Angie said...

Robin LOVE them all ..and I learned something new today had never heard of these dolls before ...I have a support group for ya :0) Hoarders Annon :0) Ill see ya there (( hugs )) lil raggedy angie

village folk art said...

Hi Robin, Thanks for sharing this information ... very interesting. Collecting can be such fun and a challenge for the hunt. I still would rather play or hunt than work any ole day ... that's why my house looks lived in. Don't think I have seen these before, but it is a great collection.
Have a Blessed Day, Barb

RURAL said...

They are lovely aren't they, and even more so because you appreciate them so much.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

marly said...

How interesting! A very nice collection and I would imagine not easily found. You described them perfectly - a mixture of infancy and matronliness. You certainly aren't "annoying" us, you are educating and entertaining us! We want to see more. Well....I do and I'm selfish.

Rhissanna said...

What a lovely group of Dutch dolls. They might be simple but they were good enough for Queen Victoria when she was just a little princess. Used to dress them up with clothes she'd sewn herself.

You're right about the expressions, although I read the face of the haughty one as plotting, or cunning or just plain scheming! I wonder if the faces reflect the state of the painter?

Dear me, yes. We're never too old to play with dolls. I'm off to play some more.

Have a wonderful day, Miss Crow!

Barb said...

Hi Robin,
What a fabulous and stunning collection! Just amazing!
Each with their own personality for sure.
Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy your weekend,
Barb

renee said...

Well, I like them all! Are we classified as hoarders? I guess so!
LOL!
I have a doll, it's a reproduction, but she's all carved and handpainted from wood. I will share a photo of her sometime. Found her at a thrift store years ago. You are right~ we're never too old to play with dolls or toys! I am glad too, because I like them so much!
Have a nice weekend.
Hugs,
Renee

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Such a wonderful collection you got there Girlfriend!!!
I would be very happy with the pissed off one ~ that one suits me fine!!!
But all in all they are dearly wonderful!
Thanks for sharing!
Prim Blessings
Robin

Roberta said...

Your post was fun and educational! I've never heard of these before but now I'll sound knowledgeable if I ever come across one, well maybe. Looking forward to your other collections! ~Roberta

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Robin you have a wonderful collection here .. nothing to be shy about at all! .. I can fall into collecting as well and it was especially "bad" when we lived in Holland .. talk about flea markets!!
These dolls all look well loved and cared for .. they are very lucky , and no ! You can never be too old to play with dolls ;-)
Joy
I still get such a hoot out of your blog name ! LOL

Rugs and Pugs said...

Robin ~
I have been collecting/antiquing for years (decades actually) and I'm not familiar with those dolls. I will have to be on the lookout! Thank you for sharing such a lovely collection.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren