Frozen Charlotte (doll)
| Frozen Charlotte | |
|---|---|
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| Other names | Frozen Charlie |
| Type | Doll |
| Availability | c. 1850–c. 1920 |
| Materials | porcelain |
Frozen Charlotte is a name used to describe a specific form of china doll made from c. 1850 to c. 1920. The name comes from the American folk ballad Fair Charlotte, which tells of a young girl called Charlotte who refused to wrap up warmly to go on a sleigh ride and froze to death during the journey.[1]
[edit] Description
The Frozen Charlotte doll is made in the form of a standing, naked figure moulded all in one piece. These dolls may also be seen described as pillar dolls, solid chinas or bathing babies[2]. The dolls ranged in size from under an inch to 18 inches plus. The smallest dolls were sometimes used as charms in Christmas puddings[2]. Smaller sizes were very popular for putting in doll's houses. Occasionally versions are seen with a glazed china front and an unglazed stoneware back. This enabled the doll to float on its back when placed in a bath[3].
They are also made in bisque, and can come in white, pink-tinted, or, more rarely, painted black[2]. Some rare examples have moulded chemises. Male dolls (identified by their boyish hairstyles) are called Frozen Charlies.
