Doll

Prior to the introduction of Chase dolls in 1891, many play dolls from Europe depicted lady dolls made of breakable china or bisque. These fragile dolls often came with extensive wardrobes and accessories, and children played with these dolls by dressing them up in elaborate ensembles for tea parties, strolling, funerals, and calling on their social peers. Martha Chase dolls made of cotton knit and stuffed with cotton batting promoted a new kind of doll play. These lighter-weight, soft-to-the-touch dolls felt like "real children" and encouraged children to demonstrate affectionate and nurturing behavior towards their dolls.