This term is collective term used to
describe a variety of pulped-wood or paper-based mixtures from which doll
heads and bodies are made. Composition was originally produced because
it was a less expensive alternative to wooden dolls. It also allowed
for more creativity because it was much easier to work with than wood.
It was discovered in the 1800 that the paper-based mixtures could be pressed
into molds. This allowed for mass production by machine, and greatly
changed the doll making industry. Many different formulas for composition
were used, although not many were successful. Some of the formulas
included edible ingredients such as eggshells and bread. Dolls made
from these types of composition were often gnawed on by rodents and insects.
Other types of composition were susceptible to changes in temperature and
humidity. The composition would shrink or swell, depending on conditions,
and this would result in the cracking or crazing of the paint. Another
problem with composition dolls is the coat of varnish used to seal the
final product. This varnish often became discolored, giving the dolls
a yellow tint. Therefore, it is very difficult to find a composition
doll in mint condition, without cracking or peeling of the heavy paint.
Storage conditions of composition
dolls have to be controlled. Dolls stored in closets on lived in
levels fair much better than dolls stored in basements or upstairs closets
that are closed off from the rest of the house.