Name/Title
Lithograph on polished cotton rag doll in sailor suit, c. 1910Entry/Object ID
1986.35.2Description
Acc. No. 86.35.2
Subject Category: Toys
Date or Period: c. 1910
Object: Doll
Description: Lithograph on polished cotton rag doll (boy), commercially produced. The doll is unjointed and handsewn. Printed features & clothing (sailor suit). Size: L-9 inches.
History of Object: Rag doll that belonged to Jeanette Meyers as a child.
It possibly came as a premium and was assembled by her mother.
Acquired from:
Jeanette Meyers
Date: 6-18-86Interpretative Labels
Label
The Sailor Suit popularity expended to dolls - here a cloth doll with lithographic image applied to fabric.
The striped undershirt is reminiscent of the French Navy's tricot shirt, which would be blue and white. That shirt was in turn derived from the Breton's sailor's traditional, striped, sweater. In 1913 it was made into an item in women's fashion by Coco Chanel.
The doll also wears printed 'knee-breeches', a requirement in the 18th century for officers in the English Navy. Lower ratings wore full length trousers.
