Some Facts About Italian Dolls & Who Made Them

Italian dolls have been around since 1919 in Turin, Italy. There is only one well-known manufacturer: the Lenci Company.

History

The Lenci Company was the first manufacturer of Italian dolls and was started by Enrico and Elana Konig Scavini in 1919. Eros was another company that made Lenci-type dolls, but they were not of the same quality.

Types

Italian dolls have been made in a range of characters, including a laughing samurai and a tennis player, both from 1929. The featured artist at the Lenci company was owner Madame Scavini, whose last creation was 1939's Gioia doll.

Features

The main claim to fame of the Lenci Italian dolls was their intricate design and craftsmanship. The faces were oil-painted, ears were hand-sewn and double-felted, and heads could swivel. Their arms, shoulders and hips were jointed and their hair was hand-sewn into place.

Size and Value

As of 2009, a 13-inch Lenci doll is worth between $750 and $1,000, a 17-inch doll is valued at between $1,500 and $2,000, and a 19-inch doll is worth between $1,700 and $2,500.

Considerations

A Lenci doll will be marked with the Lenci name, have ornate and detailed clothing, an expressive face and eyes that look to the side.

References

• SmallDogs2.com
• WorthPoint.com
• AtlantaGA10.Tripod.com

Resources

• BamboleItaliane.com
• JosephMarc.com