Chinese Dolls

Barbie has become a household name for many years. The story started with the birth of Ruth Mosko in Denver Colarado in 1916. Ruth married Elliot Handler in 1938. Elliot Handler and his business partner Harold 'Matt" Matson formed the company Mattel. The name was created by a combination of their names 'Matt-Ell". Mattel originally manufactured picture frames, but after making dolls furniture from scraps decided to focus on toy manufacturing for which Mattel is now famous.

Ruth Handler noticed that her young daughter Barbara was more interested in playing with adult dolls, than the baby dolls that were available at that time. While traveling in Europe she saw a German doll called 'Lilli' which she bought for her daughter. The original 'Lilli' doll was not a children's toy, but a joke style gift for men.

Mattel bought the marketing rights for 'Lilli'. They changed the doll's name to Barbie, named after Ruth's daughter Barbara. Barbie was first released for sale in the United States in 1959 and became a hot seller. Barbie's boyfriend 'Ken' was introduced in 1960. Ken was named after Ruth's son Kenneth.

According to Barbie Collector there are Barbie Chinese Dolls in these distinct styles:

Chinese Barbie
Barbie doll is a living muse of Chinese beauty and cultural tradition. Dressed in a rich pink chrysanthemum print guazi (robe) over a slim skirt of the same design, Chinese Barbie exudes the simplistic grace of the Chinese culture. Her gorgeous costume is accented by intricate black and golden bordering, with black slippers covering her feet.

Chinese Empress Barbie
Another triumph from the Great Eras Collection, Chinese Empress Barbie doll's costume captures the authentic look and feel of the Qing dynasty. From her hat, to her elaborate jacket, emblazoned with 2 dragons, to her mandarin collar jacquard dress, each piece has been recreated to match the look and feel of the period. Chinese Empress Barbie doll wears red slippers fitted over molded platforms, also typical of that age. Her jewelry is faux jade. She wears faux jade drop earrings and one "jade" and one golden necklace, the Chao Zhu, whose lengths also indicated her rank. The overall effect is a stunningly intricate costume that every collector will treasure.

Golden Qi-Pao Barbie
Golden Qi-Pao Barbie doll was designed to commemorate the one year anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The color gold is regarded as a color of good luck, wealth, and prosperity in Chinese culture and Barbie doll embodies them all in this sophisticated and elegant Chinese formal dress. Although the design is simple, elegance is reflected in the use of different fabrics and textures. A layer of lace appliques covers a solid golden background. Tiny rhinestones and golden rosettes are applied to the dress giving it a contemporary look. Barbie needs only to add "crystal" earring droplets, a faux jade bracelet and shoes. The final touch, an elegant faux jade butterfly that signifies beauty, completes her ensemble. Barbie wears her dark hair in an updated version of the traditional chignon.

Chinese New Year Barbie Doll
Chinese New Year begins with the new moon on the first day of the year and ends with the full moon fifteen days later. On the fifteenth day, called Lantern Festival, there's a parade of children carrying lanterns after dark. Celebrated with firecrackers, dragon dances and red envelopes of money, this ancient Asian festival finds Barbie doll wearing a red dress featuring traditional Chinese motifs and a mandarin collar.

Empress of the Golden Blossom Barbie Doll
The "magic" of Asia comes to life with Empress of the Golden Blossom Barbie doll. The doll wears an opulent gown of pink and golden brocade, inspired by a glorious fantasy of exotic Chinese costume. The noble peony motif is elegantly featured in the lush fabrics. A golden headpiece crowns the intricate hairdo, decorated with lovely faux flowers and birds.