Bisque Doll
Like many other items engineered in Germany, this tiny 6” bisque doll is amazing in its craftsmanship. The tiny eyes flutter open and closed as the doll is raised to gaze admiringly at her, then gently laid to rest in a cozy, doll-sized cradle.
Bisque dolls – and anything labeled “bisque” – denotes an unglazed pottery with one initial firing. This firing creates a durable pottery with enough porosity to allow intricate painting. Many bisque items are only a stopover to the coating of glaze that often covers the paint before the pottery is fired a second time.
Unglazed bisque dolls were the rage in Germany near the turn of the 19th century. Their lifelike demeanor is accentuated with moveable limbs, intricate design (the head even has fontanels!) and careful painting in natural colors.
This tiny doll wears clothing specifically designed for it by Laura Annas Heasley for Martha Heasley. The intricate two-layer dress looks similar to a baptismal gown with a full, flowing designed layered with a lace-edged slip beneath. The subtle lines of the dress give it further dimension. The base of the outer dress, wrists, collar, and bonnet are trimmed in lace. An oversized ribbon bow ties the bonnet securely to the tiny head. Beneath the skirt, the infant wears pantaloons with thigh-length leggings tucked inside.
Martha Heasley Cox, who owned the doll when she was a child, moved to California when she was an adult and was renowned for her studies and knowledge of John Steinbeck. The Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University is the product of her devotion to his words and works.
The doll along with more dolls, books, and trunks dating back almost a century were secured in the upper room of Annette Heasley’s grandparents’ home. When her grandmother passed, Annette’s mother rented out the home, but the room was left undisturbed. Upon the death of Laura Annas Heasley, Annette opened the room and discovered a trove of treasures from generations past. This doll and a companion doll were kindly donated to Old Independence Regional Museum.
Take advantage of seeing this example of children’s toys from the past as well as a fine collection of other items currently on display in the “Things in Boxes” area of the J. K. Southerland Gallery.
