Paper doll dress

Name/Title

Paper doll dress

Entry/Object ID

2026.5.3.d

Description

Late 19th to mid 20th century paper doll dress, in shades of yellow and cream.

Use

Child's toy

Context

Paper dolls were marketed to American children as early as the nineteenth century, when industrialized paper production as well as commercial printing and die-cutting technologies made them relatively affordable to manufacture. While most dolls were accompanied by a few wardrobe changes, many children supplemented these garments with handmade ones or made the dolls themselves.

Category

Dolls, Paper

Acquisition

Accession

2026.5

Made/Created

Time Period

19th Century

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Notes

On a triangular back piece, which would be folded over the head of a doll, is written “Orva” (Ava?) and on the back of the dress the name “Nellie” has been crossed out.

Lexicon

Getty AAT

Concept

dresses (garments), paper dolls

Dimensions

Height

5-1/2 in

Width

3-1/2 in

Material

Tissue Paper, Paper Lace

Color

Yellow, White

Location

Cabinet

Object Cabinet

Room

Studio