Composition Dolls in East European Costumes

Groups of Composition dolls dressed in East European costume

Far left is Eastern Europe in appearance. She wears a laced black velvet dirndl and high black boots. A snood covers her mohair wig. The girl with orange skirt is tagged "Hungarian." Artist hand embroidered flowers on a wool apron. Perhaps one of the first she created as workmanship is not as meticulous.

The third girl is also tagged "Hungary." She wears a laced dirndl and multi-floral scarf and skirt. The fourth girl is not labeled but obviously represents the Dutch region. She has yarn hair.

Her costume is cotton multi prints with a lace blouse. The last girl is tagged "Switzerland." She wears a separate collar with matching apron. Her headpiece ties under the chin.

Unknown doll on left does have the look of Eastern Europe. Tiny artist embroidered flowers and beads on a vest constructed of wide variegated ribbon.

The second girl is tagged "Polish Bride." Intricate antique lace and embroidered organdy. Floral print skirt and high black leather boots crafted by the artist.

The third girl wears a long red kerchief on her head. Lavish use of full embroidered trims of all colors. Unknown. The fourth girl is probably representative of Eastern Europe......somewhere. The teeniest beads were used as buttons. She wears a floral overskirt.

The last girl is tagged "Spanish Peasant." She wears many strands of beads and a large foil crucifix. A reminder that the creator of the costumes on these dolls did not have the many miniatures manufactured today to choose from, but made her own accessories from whatever she considered appropriate. The girl wears a multi print head scarf with lace and a massive bow on the back.

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We are now on our way to the Middle East. Left to right. Intricate costume of satin with gold metallic and multicolor floss trim. Hand-painted gilt organdy veil with a beaded headband. Tiny handmade brocade sandals. No tag. The second girl has the East European Gypsy influence.

She wears a satin costume with a sequinned weskit. Large pearl earrings, necklace, and bracelets. The third girl is tagged "Bethlehem." Two rows of "coins" across her forehead, and multicolor materials with velvet sleeves.

The fourth is from an unknown region. She wears a black velvet cap with floss tassel on top. Her shawl is lace with a red faille skirt. The last wears a "coin" necklace. Her costume is rayon with multicolor sash at waist.

This group has some of my favorite costumes. Left to right. The first girl wears balloon type pants, a cotton blouse, and a lace head veil. Headband adorned with "coins." The Middle East.......but, where?

The second is tagged "Harem Dancing Girl." Her veils appear to be from an old scarf. Large sequins and gold metallic trim.

The third is tagged "Turkey." Taffeta balloon pants with metallic lace weskit. Embroidered net blouse.

The fourth is tagged "Kirquiz-In Asia." The doll wears a long wool coat over a floral skirt. The turban is adorned with beads and cotton fringe. Long beaded strands hang from turban sides.

The last doll wears an intricately layered costume. Striped pants with ruffle at ankle. There is a floral overskirt with a different stripe apron. Multi print jacket. With tiny beads as buttons. Although the costume is entirely cotton......no glitz or glitter.......it is one of the most striking.......and a favorite.

Left to right. The first girl is tagged "Czechoslovakia". Not the elaborate costume as seen in previous photos but exceptionally well made and detailed. She wears a laced dirndl and organdy blouse.

The second dolls identification tag surprised me......"Sicily". Lavish use of delicate embroidered lace. Red/orange mohair wig.

The third is another with Eastern Europe appearance. Ribbon in hair has been hand beaded by the artist. Sheer blouse and unusual rows of multi "loop" bodice.

The fourth wears muted floral print cotton. Two contrasting checks. Very attractive. The last girl wears a floral rayon kerchief with large flowers. Her costume is organdy with tiny red embroidery. Human hair wig.

Left to right. The first doll is tagged "Morocco." Exquisitely layered costume with balloon pants, short jacket, multi-colored turban, and tiny bead shirt buttons.

The second is un-tagged. Long velvet dress with a white cotton veil. Heavy antique gold metallic lace trim.

The third doll is tagged "Ethiopia." She wears tiny woven straw sandals and an all-white costume with mesh veil.

The fourth has balloon pants. "Coins" adorn the bodice. Large forehead ornament may have been an old earring.

The last wears unusual draped balloon type pants over straight leg trousers. Long tiny bead necklace, short apron, and floral head scarf.

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