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We have known about cotton dolls for a long time. With their soft bodies and comforting presence, these cute little dolls are cherished companions for generations of children around the world.
But where did they come from? What’s the history of cotton dolls? Who laid the foundation of this beloved plaything?
Actually, a cotton doll is not just a plaything. Even though it might just be a doll to you, it serves as an emotional confidante, a former voteto or fashion ambassador, and much more!
So, like their mesmerizing appearance, the history of cotton dolls is equally interesting, and we are going to share it with you today.
Join us on a journey through time as we unravel the enchanting history of cotton dolls.
Evolution of Cotton Dolls
The history of cotton dolls began centuries ago, in the heart of Europe. It was here, during the early days of the Renaissance, that the first inklings of what would become the cotton doll emerged. Archeologists have found many wooden figures and simple cloth creations in several civilizations.
Dolls evolved into the opulent pandora sometime in the eighteenth century, a popular toy among the upper classes. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that dolls became more accessible to the middle class, thanks to the rising bourgeoisie.
Early Origin
With the evolution of dolls of different types, cotton dolls became the talk of town. In a world where most toys were handmade from whatever materials were readily available, inventive artisans began crafting simple and small-sized dolls that were, of course, affordable.
These simple dolls were fashioned from cloth scraps and stuffed with natural materials like cotton, straw, or rags. Though humble in appearance, they were enriched with imagination and captured the hearts of children and adults alike.
Origin of Rag Dolls
Fast forward to the 19th century, and we find the emergence of rag dolls in the history of cotton dolls. Handmade from scraps of cotton fabric, these dolls were humble in appearance but rich in affection. With stitched faces and basic clothing, they became beloved companions to children across the globe.
Mass Production
Now comes the Industrial Revolution, a time of transformative change in cotton doll production. With the advent of mass production techniques and the introduction of sewing machines, cotton dolls became more accessible and affordable to a wider audience. The once-exclusive realm of handmade toys opened its doors to children from all walks of life.
Technical Innovation
However, the evolution of the cotton doll did not stop there. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, innovation took center stage in the making of a cotton doll. These dolls began to incorporate mechanical features and voice boxes. Now, not only could they be cuddled and dressed, but they could also move, cry, and even speak, delighting children with their lifelike antics.
Artistic Expression
As the 20th century dawned, the history of cotton dolls underwent a renaissance of artistic expression. Skilled doll makers and designers infused their creations with intricate details, elaborate clothing, and accessories, creating cotton doll artistry.
The Beginning of a Fan Culture
Now comes the history of the cotton dolls we know today.
Those adorable 10–20 cm dolls who are embracing fandom.
The main body design for these adorable dolls originated in South Korea back in 2017, taking inspiration from K-pop idols and quickly becoming a hot commodity. The trend didn't stop there; by 2018, cotton dolls had found their way into the Chinese market. Over time, they evolved beyond just being symbols of K-pop fandom and became beloved items for the general public.
Those who adore cotton dolls have formed online communities known as "doll groups." According to the "2021 Cotton Doll Player Insight Report," a whopping 43% of cotton doll fans were born after 2000! On average, each fan owns around 8.73 cotton dolls, showcasing just how popular these little companions have become.
Three trends of cotton dolls began to emerge on screen after their association with fan culture.
Idol Dolls
The management company turned images of popular idols into cute cotton dolls ranging from 10 to 20 cm tall. These dolls quickly became a hit with fans when they were released as official merchandise. These were lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for fans to take to idol events to show support for their Oshi (favorite member). Fans were really into buying merchandise to support their idols, especially in Asia, where cotton dolls gained rapid popularity.
Such types of cotton dolls with idol attributes are known as “idol dolls.”
Character Dolls
Cotton dolls started to portray beloved characters from books, cartoons, and movies. These officially licensed character dolls became incredibly popular with kids, who could now play with dolls resembling their most cherished fictional heroes and heroines.
Attributeless Dolls
These dolls are without identities; they do not resemble any character or idol. Among all types of cotton dolls, attributeless dolls are most popular among ordinary doll lovers. This can be attributed to the diversity of sizes and types that such dolls offer.
From Childhood Play to Trend Ambassador
The Tik-Tok viral doll-like trend, K-pop stars striving for doll faces, and even make-up tutorials for doll-like visuals.
In Asia, especially in Korea and China, dolls are no longer just playthings.
The craze for cotton dolls has brought the term "cuty" into the spotlight in China. These dolls have become a beloved symbol for high school girls and young office ladies, embodying what some call the "Peter Pan syndrome." It's like they're holding onto a precious, delicate, romantic image, cherishing the innocent feelings in their hearts along the way.
Emotional Investment
Dolls for entertainment—we get that.
Dolls being the epitome of fashion and trendsetters; we somehow get that, too.
But do you know these cotton dolls are, in fact, an emotional attachment for most people? We are not talking about kids who are highly possessive of their toys. We are talking about the young generation: college girls, office workers, and fans in general.
Fans, especially in China, don't just buy cotton dolls; they invest in them emotionally. They dress them up, take them shopping, and even bring them along to events, proudly displaying their fan identity. It's not just about the doll itself; it's about the experiences and memories fans create with them.
The process of "raising" a doll is like caring for a family member, from collecting cotton dolls to dressing them up and taking care of their appearance. During the COVID-19 lockdown, cotton dolls provided much-needed comfort and companionship for many people. They became a source of solace and joy, especially for young girls and office workers looking for a way to unwind and connect with others.
The declining fertility rate in China also aided in the popularity of cotton dolls. In addition, this popularity has also given rise to new jobs like doll restorers and fashion designers, catering to fans' desire to personalize their dolls.
Why Do People Love Cotton Dolls?
We love these dolls so much, but why? In this tech-driven world, we have many options to entertain ourselves, so why do most people have such an emotional attachment to handcrafted cotton dolls?
Of course, the history of cotton dolls is filled with culture and tradition, which naturally generates love for them. But there are so many perks to having a cotton doll.
First and foremost, they are healing to touch. Just having them on your bare hands feels like medicine. It feels like touching the furry skin of a cat or dog.
Second, dressing them up is really fun if you are a doll lover. You can also dress them up in adorable mini outfits, adorn them with tiny accessories, and even furnish their world with matching mini furniture like little tables and chairs.
Most importantly, they can be easy to carry. If you have an idol doll, you can take it to games or concerts or even hang it in your bag. As compared to BJD dolls, cotton dolls are quite handy, flexible, and, of course, inexpensive.
You can also have personalized cotton doll designs. If you have a paper design or physical sample, you can show it to a cotton doll store, and they’ll make one unique piece just for you.
Final Words
Cotton dolls, with their mesmerizing appearance and healing touch, stood the test of time to entertain us and the generations to come. The history of cotton dolls inspires many of us. Once a piece of cloth to amuse kids, this plaything slowly evolved to become a work of art, a trendsetter, a fashion ambassador, and a way for people to express their intimacy and fellowship emotions.
These dolls are handy, easy to maintain, and, most of all, an elegant way to show your innocence and love. So, if you are a doll fan, a few vintage cotton dolls should be in your room, hanging on your bag, on the back of your phone, or anywhere else that suits your style.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the magic of cotton dolls will continue to enchant and delight for generations to come, keeping our desires to return to childhood alive.
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