Ceramic Toys and Games
Most of the toys made from ceramic fall into two categories: dolls and toy tableware.
Ceramic dolls were made in different styles, typically of porcelain, and the MAC Lab collections encompass a good variety of these types. Basic information and dating are provided for each example, but there are also great source materials that can assist you with greater details.
One style of doll found frequently on archaeological sites from the last half of the 19th century to the early 20th century were penny or “Frozen Charlotte” dolls. Made in a range of sizes in both glazed and unglazed porcelain, these penny dolls were usually molded in one piece, although examples with joined arms and legs do exist.
Other doll styles featured cloth bodies with ceramic heads, legs, and arms attached in several ways. It is common to find legs, arms, and heads of Continental European hard paste porcelain with painted details. Painted bisque porcelain was also a common material for doll heads.
Tableware vessels in small sizes, either for dolls or children, are also common finds on archaeological sites from the second half of the 19th century and through the 20th century. These toy vessels are most often made from undecorated Continental European hard paste porcelain, although decorated examples are also found.