Traditional toys that replicate the people, places, and things that
children see everyday are wonderful educational toys and provide hours
of fun. Real life miniatures are appealing to boys and girls, as well
as adults, and have been a part of civilization for thousands of years.
The very first blocks, crudely carved dolls, and even miniature dolls
houses have been discovered from nearly 5,000 years ago in the tombs
and pyramids of ancient Egypt.
These primitive dolls houses suggest different purposes than the
traditional toys of more modern times. Featuring miniature furniture,
as well as people and animals, Egyptian dolls houses were very
lifelike, portraying servants, livestock, and other common possessions.
Many believe these toys were actually statues and figurines intended
for religious ceremonies rather than play.
Several thousand years later, during the 16th century, talented German
craftsman constructed intricate, detailed dolls houses with lavish
décor and handmade furnishings. These traditional toys were often
custom made as collectible gifts for the affluent and were also popular
play things for wealthy children. These miniatures were so popular
that, after the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of mass
production practices, dolls houses and their accessories were found in
children’s bedrooms throughout Europe.
Between the 1500’s and the 1800’s, dolls houses were manufactured by a number of German and English companies, including:
Moritz Reichel
Christian Hacker
Evans & Cartwright
Siber & Fleming
And Lines Brothers, later known as Tri-ang.
During this time, the carefully detailed, handmade dolls houses of
Germany seen a decrease in interest, at least in the European market.
Miniatures from fine companies like Marklin and Rock & Garner were
being imported to collectors in the United States, though they did
retain some popularity in Great Britain. Dolls houses were not
manufactured in the United States until the end of the 1800’s. The
Bliss Manufacturing Company was the first American company to produce
these traditional toys. Soon after, in 1917, The TynieToy Company began
to make miniature replicas of majestic, historic US homes and many
other companies followed with their own dolls house ideas. Designs
based on the first German miniatures were manufactured by Japanese
companies during the early 20th century.
Around the middle of the 1900’s, a variety of new materials became
available for production and dolls houses made of plastic, and even
sheet metal, were introduced. Through the years, these traditional toys
have seen many changes in details, design, and accessories, but
miniatures have continued to enchant children of all ages, while
warming the hearts of adults everywhere.
Today, dolls houses are still loved by little girls and boys and are
adored by collectors. Most wooden dolls houses have been replaced by
less costly plastic construction but some classic toy makers still
manufacture classic wooden miniatures with intensely detailed
accessories. After hundreds of years, these traditional toys are still
considered childhood necessities.