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Hessisches Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum
Hessisches Puppen- und Spielzeugmuseum
63454 Hanau-Wilhelmsbad
The museum shows antique toys from the 4th century to the 1st century B.C.: wheeled animals like sheep, doves or lions for about two-year-olds, more "forward-looking" toys for the older children, like boys clay soldiers, shepherds with animals or small carts or small household appliances, fashion dolls type Venus, Hera and baby dolls. "Princesses" had precious, often wooden dolls with lace dresses and make-up cases. Since the beginning of the 19th century, wealthy citizens also gave their children toys, like dolls' kitchens, diapers, washing accessories. With the introduction of the mechanical loom, the fashion industry was born. Appropriate clothing was made by daughters while handling their dolls. Dolls were produced with heads made of papier mâché or glazed porcelain, from 1860 of bisque porcelain. From 1870, merchant's stores show their functions. Clock development was followed by the creation of mechanical toys like clown figures or doll ladies.