Tea Cosy Doll Appraisal

Vintage Russian Tea Cosy Doll

This is a vintage Russian-style tea cosy doll, likely originating from the mid-to-late 20th century. The figure features a hand-painted celluloid or composite head and hands, characterized by fair skin, blue eyes, and rosy cheeks in a traditional folk style. She is dressed in a traditional sarafan-inspired outfit consisting of a voluminous emerald green satin skirt, which serves as the insulated padded base for keeping a teapot warm. The bodice and skirt are accented with gold metallic braid and white ric-rac trim. She wears a white blouse with puffed sleeves and a pale yellow headscarf (babushka) also finished with gold lace trim. The doll is designed with a wide, weighted base to sit securely over a teapot. Notable details include the delicate painting of the facial features and the inclusion of a white handkerchief held in her right hand. Regarding condition, the fabrics show mild creasing from use and storage, and there is a slight patina to the metallic gold trim, which is typical for age. A small identification tag is attached to the sleeve, suggesting it was part of a collection or for sale. The craftsmanship reflects mass-produced souvenir quality common in the Soviet Union (USSR) era meant for export or domestic use.