This reference gallery focuses m
This reference gallery focuses on Gayle Wray's 21.5" tall vintage-inspired, Japanese-style pose dolls with cotton cloth faces and individual fingers. It honors the vintage Shōwa era big eye style, which emerged mid-century.
Original Bradley Dolls, also called "big-eyed dolls," Kawaii dolls, Shōwa dolls, and pose dolls, were made in Japan. Bradley Import Co. was founded in 1954. They manufactured them for 30 years, from 1954 until 1984, when the company was bought by Hasbro, who sadly discontinued the line.
Traditional Bradley dolls were lightweight and constructed over a wire frame, covered in foam, with a stockinette body. Gayle Wray Kawaii series dolls are made with heavier materials. They have a copper wire frame covered with polyester stuffing, encased in a high-quality cotton skin. Each doll's face is individually hand-painted, not stamped.
Gayle Wray, Kawaii, and Cosmic Dolls are my vintage revival of Japanese Showa era (mid-century) big-eye Bradley dolls. I've created a unique my-style face and body for the 21st century. As an avid collector of Japanese Big-eye dolls, I aim to raise awareness and add value to the surviving vintage ladies promoting their preservation.
Modern makers of Japanese Big-Eye Pose dolls:
- Gayle Wray, of course
- Ayumi Uyama, whose dedicated gallery is linked at the bottom
Also called "Kawaii dolls."
Definition of 'Kawaii':
- 1. denoting a Japanese artistic and cultural style that emphasizes the quality of cuteness, using bright colors and characters with a childlike appearance. Noun. 2. (in Japanese art and culture) the quality of being lovable or cute.
Also called "Shōwa dolls"
Definition of 'Shōwa:
- The Shōwa era was the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of Emperor Shōwa (commonly known in English as Emperor Hirohito) from December 25, 1926, until his death on January 7, 1989.
Gayle Wray Kawaii Doll names include:
- Coco Kawaii. 11 - 2023
- Kayla Kawaii, 10 - 2023
- Moona Kawaii, 11 - 2023
Hang Tags found on Gayle Wray standing dolls include:
- Cherry Sweet is on one side, and a doll's name and date are on the other, held on with a wrist loop.
Iron-on tags found on dolls include:
Conclusions and findings:
- Reinventing this style with high-end features should breathe new life into the collecting and appreciation of pose dolls.
Related Bradley Galleries:
- Japan, Bradley Doll, Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Bradley-Doll-Japan-Reference-Gallery-32p213.htm
- Korea, Bradley Doll, Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Bradley-Doll-Korea-Reference-Gallery-32p251.htm
- Bradley-type Doll, Gayle Wray Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Bradley-Type-Dolls-by-Gayle-Wray-32p265.htm
- Bradley-type Doll, Ayumi Uyama, Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Bradley-type-Dolls-by-Ayumi-Uyama-32p255.htm
- Bradley-type Doll, Chubby Kids:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Bradley-type-Doll-Chubby-kids-32p262.htm
- Bradley-type Doll, Mermaid, and Kappa, Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Bradley-Doll-Mermaid-Water-Spirit-Kappa-Japan-Reference-Gallery-32p254.htm
- Bradley-type Doll, Showgirl, Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=260&adminPreview=1
- Holiday Fair, Japan, Pose Doll, Reference Gallery:https://www.gaylewraydolls.com/store/pc/Holiday-Fair-Pose-Doll-Reference-Gallery-32p214.htm
Bradley and Bradley-type doll sellers include:
Bradley doll art, prints, and postcard sellers include:
Disclaimer: This page is a general guide only and should not be used as a definitive reference to the origin of untagged dolls, as dolls without identifying marks can result in misidentification. Please keep the original tags intact and displayed, or reattach them securely under the dress to preserve the heritage of these fantastic ladies for future generations.
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