Kasper - The Bisque jointed Doll

Hello everyone,

Hope you are all well. Here we are all set for another weekend. The days here are getting warmer by the minute and I wouldn't want it any different. 

Today I wanted to share with you my newest addition to my miniature collection.

Kasper

Here is Kasper! Kasper is a miniature Hertwig bisque jointed doll. He stands seven centimetres tall. Made in Germany in the very early 1900's. 

Bisque dolls or porcelain dolls are made partially or wholly out of bisque or biscuit porcelain. Bisque dolls are characterized by their realistic, skin-like matte finish. They had their peak of popularity between 1860 and 1900 with French and German dolls.

The second I saw him, I fell in love with him. Luckily enough the little tot was meant for me. Some of you might find him creepy, having a hunched back and a fat tummy but all that disperses when you see the sweet smile on his face. 

 

I was intrigued to find more about the origin of Kasper.

Kasper known as 'Kasperl' is a famous and traditional puppet character from Austria, German-speaking Switzerland and Germany. Its roots date to 17th century, and it was at times so popular that Kasperltheatre was synonymous with puppet theatre. The older, more traditional 'Kasperl' shows are very similar to 'Mister Punch' in Britain. There are also 'Kasperl versions' of the Grimm and other fairy tales and of 'modern fairy tales'.

Kasper is the hero of German puppet theatre. The name Kasper probably comes from the ancient Persian meaning 'keeper of the treasure'. Tradition holds one of the three Kings or Magi who visited the Christ Child was named Caspar.

The puppet character currently named Kasper first appeared in Munich in 1858 in a marionette play "The Enchanted Lily" by Graf Pocci. Like his cousin Punch, the early Kasper used a slapstick to beat the devil, witch and crocodile.

I am so glad that I got him. I took his photo shoot in the Dickens Book shop in Regent Street. Here are a few more pictures of him. 

For now my tiny Kasper will fit nicely in 'Matquel's Antique and China Shop'. 

I hope you enjoyed the historical part of Kasper and my tiny 'keeper of the treasures'. 

I will be working further on my new project during the weekend and I can't wait to share with you my progress, so make sure to keep tuned for the next update. 

Wishing you all a happy weekend. 

Take Care and See You Soon.

Hugs,

Rebecca xxx