The easily sculpted, translucent solid used to make porcelain dolls is generally referred to as china or bisque. Collectible porcelain dolls with glazed faces are termed "china," whereas dolls with a soft, unglazed finish that appears more like natural skin are termed "bisque."

What we know as antique or collectible china & porcelain dolls probably originated from doll makers in Germany, France and Denmark became popular in the early 1800’s. However, it wasn’t until the late 19^th century that a German doll manufacturer began to mass produce heads, arms and legs of these collectible porcelain dolls. Large quantities of doll pieces could be exported and then joined to composite, wood or kidskin bodies later for resale. The feet of the dolls of this era were often painted to look like stockings or boots and the molded heads depicted the hairstyles of the time.

Until the introduction of the French "Bebe" by Emil-Louis Jumeau in the mid 1800’s porcelain dolls had only represented the body and clothing of an adult. The Bebe dolls not only had beautiful, delicate faces, but their clothing was exquisitely crafted and reflected the finest in fashion worn by the upper class of the day. Although Jumeau was innovative in his advertising and marketing of the "Bebe," French dollmaker Leon-Casimri Bru is said to have been the most "artistic" producer of china dolls. The Bru dolls were of such high quality that they appeared on the market as true luxury items even to the wealthy class.

By the late l890s there were only a handful of companies providing nearly all the doll heads in the business. German porcelain dolls, although not as elegant as the French dolls, became quite popular because they were less expensive, and thus, more affordable to the general population.

These "glass" dolls have maintained their popularity even today. Selections of dolls today vary in form from baby dolls to youngsters to adult and are available in a variety of sizes, nationalities and costumes. Many of the dolls in today’s market are considered artistic pieces and are often numbered and accompanied by a registration card and certificate of authenticity. They continue to provide the collector the elaborate detailing and exquisite features of their predecessors and are heralded as a major collectable.