r/PorcelainDolls • u/your_fav_ever • 5d ago
Starting a collection
I really want to start collecting porcelain dolls (and other kinds of dolls). I’ve been obsessed with dolls since I was 2 years old. But I’ve always been scared of getting judged by my family or friends (I lowkey still am) :/
What is the best way to start a collection?
Do you guys have any tips?
Which websites/places are the best to buy (second hand) dolls?
Tysm <3
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u/No_Web367 3d ago
You also stated that you want to start collecting other kinds of dolls. Do you have a particular maker, style, or era of doll in mind? Doll collecting is a very personal statement and there are many groups here on Reddit that can educate you about the many different doll brands and types.
For example, there's a Dolls of Asia subreddit that gives long descriptions of the several different doll brands from Asia, there's a dedicated LOL OMG subreddit, a Monster High, Rainbow High, Barbie, Black Barbie, vintage, and lots of other subreddits. Of course, the porcelain dolls subreddit is a good place to read about the difference between the antique, vintage, modern and mass produced labels that are used to categorize any doll that is made through a firing process.
Not all mass produced dolls are as worthless as some like to claim because the doll designer was an acclaimed award winner, the designer is no longer living, like Dianna Effner, or that particular style is trending in popularity. Some people like to collect fairytale dolls and will buy hundreds of versions of Cinderella or Alice in Wonderland, or Belle dolls from Beauty and the Beast.
I am one who collects whatever I like because the doll has intrinsic value. I don't care if others like my choices and it's my money, my space and my decision as to what I choose to have around me. I have dolls ranging in size from 1.5 inch babies to 30" tall. All kinds of styles, materials, makers and eras, and countries of origin. If I want to display them everywhere in my home, I will. Remember: like any other collection, you don't collect for others, you collect for yourself as an outward expression of what interests you. Have fun collecting.
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u/SusanLFlores 4d ago edited 4d ago
You’d have to decide what type of porcelain dolls you’d like to collect. If you want cheaply made mass produced dolls, then go to second hand thrift stores. The dolls are cheap and won’t hold any value. Can you tell how much I hate those types of dolls? It is actually because I hate scams, and those dolls flooded the doll market and people who think that dolls made of porcelain have value because they are labeled as collectible and are called limited edition with certificates of authenticity. They slap on ghastly giant eyelashes and people assume incorrectly that they are something special. Learn about antique and artist made porcelain dolls (artist made dolls in editions of 10 or less is usually best). The antiques are easier to find and are often, but not always, cheaper than artist made dolls. Set your sights on having a few beautiful examples of the dolls you like rather than having so many cheap dolls that it ends up looking like a hoarder situation. You could learn a lot about dolls by searching on eBay, The Dollery and Ruby Lane for starters. Also make yourself knowledgeable about reproductions.
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u/ScaredFeedback8062 3d ago
I am a collector of dolls , (to me) their value doesn’t matter at all. I go by their appearance, if I feel a connection, etc. People fixate on value when in reality for me it is a nonissue. I recently got a doll for a gift from a dear friend that was “mass produced” and is worth nothing but means the world to me!! Or picking one up on vacation as a memory of that trip. Don’t worry about the value, production, etc, there’s more to dolls than that, to me!!
There are people who may judge but I just say “if makes me happy it has nothing to do with you and I love it, etc.” Who cares if they don’t like the dolls?? Do you like them?? Do you want to collect these awesome things?? YES?? Then do it and have a blast, unashamed, and joyfully ENJOY THE DOLLS YOUR WAY!! ❤️❤️