My doll collection, which is actually now my daughter’s, is about 50 dolls strong with an emphasis on foreign dolls. Each in its native dress with a pretty little face, our collection is heavy on representation from the Middle East and Europe where I spent a lot of time as a child. Included were stints living in India as a toddler and two years in Tehran, Iran as a 4th and 5th grader. There was a lot of vacationing in Europe around those extended stays and lots of doll collecting.
My semi-retired parents continue to jump around the globe with several exotic vacations executed each year. Happily, there is often a doll added to our collection upon the return from these trips.
None of our dolls are antiques. But that could change moving forward. The Philadelphia Antiques Show was never on my list of must–sees. But this year, thanks to its new location at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and tickets from client Shire Pharmaceuticals, a sponsor, we attended for the first time.
Magnificent American paintings, porcelain, crafts and furnishings are beautifully displayed by well known antique purveyors from around the country. The Show, which benefits the University of Pennsylvania Health System, is considered one of the best in the world.
What blew me away was an antique Native American doll from the mid-19th century at the booth commandeered by Christopher T. Rebollo Antiques of Mechanicsville, Pa. A relic of the Plains Indians’ Crow tribe, the doll’s beauty almost drove me to tears. With her two braids, leather beaded dress and moccasin-clad dainty feet, the doll’s craftsmanship was spectacular. What a treat to see something so special and so well-preserved that was made in the mid-1800s. And it could be mine for $22,000!
What blew me away was an antique Native American doll from the mid-19th century at the booth commandeered by Christopher T. Rebollo Antiques of Mechanicsville, Pa. A relic of the Plains Indians’ Crow tribe, the doll’s beauty almost drove me to tears. With her two braids, leather beaded dress and moccasin-clad dainty feet, the doll’s craftsmanship was spectacular. What a treat to see something so special and so well-preserved that was made in the mid-1800s. And it could be mine for $22,000!
Now that I’m interested in antique Native American dolls, my antenna will up. I can’t wait to see more of these gems and maybe even one day own one (or more – a collection?). In the meantime, you can bet I’ll be back at the Philadelphia Antiques Show next April.
No comments:
Post a Comment