Lot 884: Two Chinese Door of Hope Dolls

Pair of two (2) Chinese “Door of Hope” Mission Dolls, each with finely detailed carved heads and hands, handmade traditional silk coats and skirts, and pointed silk shoes, supported on detachable metal stands. Each approximately 11 in. H. Circa 1930s-40s. Note: the Door of Hope Mission opened in Shanghai in 1901 as a Protestant Mission to shelter, educate and teach life skills to Chinese girls. These girls were taught to dress the Door of Hope Mission dolls. In the process they learned to appreciate and be proud of their Chinese heritage, as the dolls’ clothing was designed to reflect the traditional costumes of the Chinese people, and the doll heads and hands were carved of pear wood by local carvers. The manufacture and sale of these dolls helped support the girls and fund the mission. When Chinese communists came into power in 1949, the Door of Hope Mission moved to Taipei and doll production declined. (Source: Dolls Magazine, May 1, 2007). 

PROVENANCE: The estate of Melanie Joy, Nashville, TN. Mrs. Joy’s ancestor was a missionary in China in the early 20th century. 

CONDITION: Some scattered spots of shattering to silk on both coats. Both shoes with fraying. Otherwise very good condition.