Bradley-type Doll, Showgirl Japan Reference Gallery

This reference gallery focuses on seated Bradley-type Showgirl dolls

These ladies share most qualities of Japanese mid-century dolls, so until definitive evidence comes to light, I will presume they were made in Japan. However, they also share some of the qualities of dolls made in Cuba and South America.

A description of the Showgirl mystery doll:
These dolls are described as 11' in length. They usually had 1940's style pin-up hairdos with rolled bangs and long sections that hung to mid-back in curled rows. Some dolls had turbans. Most dolls had yellow-blonde to dark brown. However, some had platinum blonde, red, or black hair. The hair is very fine and resembles viscose but smells like a natural fiber when burned.
 The dolls had square, broad shoulders, tiny waists, and full hips. Their heads were hard stuffed and had an inner wire inside to make a point of the nose. While earless, they had dime-sized brassy metal hoop earrings sewn to the ear area. Their faces were hand-painted and featured big, side-glancing eyes, often painted with green eye shadow. Their stiffly wired neck stumps extended 3/4" down the back and were sewn directly to the outside of the back and concealed under the hair, which was glued over it. They usually wore three fitted brassy metal rings as necklaces. Their sewn-together hands were mitten-type with three bangle bracelets on each wrist, the same rings used for earrings. Their torso fronts were flat, so they were given two round lumps under a bra sewn into place to create a bust line. Some retain a metal element with jewel sewn at the cleavage. Bra tops, mini skirts, or shorts were often metallic fabric pinned in place. Their sometimes crossed, hard-stuffed legs were not wired. Some had fishnet stockings, and others originally wore sheer harem pants. Their shoes were a simple ribbon crossed over the top of the foot, with a sole glued into place.

How Showgirl mystery dolls were made:
These dolls were made of cotton fabric over a dark, wooly stuffing. They were machine-stitched, stuffed, and hand-sewn together in seven pieces: head, neck, torso, arms, and legs. Natural fiber hair was glued in place, and the face was hand-painted.

Who are these Showgirls?:
Dolls have yet to come to light with tags, so I'm left to speculate about the origins of this doll. They may be Bradley dolls made in Japan, so until definitive information comes to light, I'll assume they are Bradley-type dolls, which may have been sold as dolls attached to a purse, shell, or other item, which would explain why these lone dolls are not tagged. Several companies made similar dolls of this type. Please get in touch with me if you have any information on the actual manufacturer of these adorable little ladies.


These dolls have been described in many ways; here are some that have been used to sell them in listings:

• African Lady
• Beautiful Black Girl Dressed for the Party
• Burlesque Lady
• Caribbean Girl
• Comic Character
• Cosmic Creation
• Gypsy Lady
• Harem Girl
• Hawaiian Lady
• I Dream of Jeannie
• Island Girl
• Mardi Gras Lady
• Naughty Girls
• Queen of Outer Space
• Raynal Bar Girl
• Sexy Pose Doll
• Showgirl
• Space Vixen
• Wanton Woman

That's a fun list but for simplicity I'm calling them Showgirl dolls.

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.

Showgirl doll producers include:

• Seeking information

Known makers of Showgirl dolls:

• Seeking information

Known face painters of Showgirl dolls include:

• Seeking information

Hang Tags found on Showgirl dolls:

• Seeking examples

Showgirl doll attached to other items include:

• Seeking examples

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:

• Gayle Wray's website: https://www.gaylewraydolls.com
• Ayumi Uyama's website: http://ayumiuyama.com
• Feeriqueshop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/feeriqueshop
• VintageKitschToys: https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagekitschtoys

Bradley doll art, prints, and postcard sellers include:

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleMissModShop?ref=l2-about-shopname
• https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmmaMount?ref=l2-about-shopname

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.