Lenci dolls were made by a company founded by Enrico and Elena Konig di E. Scavini in Turin, Italy, during World War I. “Lenci” was Elena’s nickname. While Enrico was at war, Elena began making dolls. She used felt because Turin was the center of the Italian felt industry. The fabric was steamed and stiffened in a mold that made a three-dimensional seamless face with a firm surface. Details were hand-painted.
To read this article — and over 25,000 more — try Kovels Membership FREE for 7 Days
Kovels Knowledge Members get full access to 25,000 articles on antiques and collectibles from 60 years of publication.