Collectibles - Dolls
Artisan Crafted Gifts and Decor From Around the World

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Akha Girl' $32.95 The graceful beauty and colorful elegance of the Akha women is captured with sensitive care by Suwit Suthamtha. This doll of ceramic face is dressed in an Ulo, comprising of a black long jacket and pants, and accented with red, yellow and green. Her elaborate headdress features long and colorful strands of wool and her jewelry complements the whole costume with a touch of sublime delicacy. Makes for superb gift to surprise the admirer of authentic international fashions. Akhas believe in continuity and see themselves as a link in the chain of life which includes birth, procreation, the preservation of the Akha way of life - which venerates family life - and death, seen as a meeting with their ancestors. The Akha have a poetic code of life which governs all aspects of life from waking to sleeping, from birth to death. It covers laws, customs, religion, medicines, agriculture, architecture, blacksmith works, and handcrafts. Containing 10,000 lines, this code must be memorized by the village priest because for the most part, Akhas are illiterate. Their attire characterizes their origin, those who wear the Ulo are from Thailand, loimi is worn by immigrants from Burma and the phami is worn by the women of Mawn Po Chan. Distinction is further made between those who are married, and wear tall hats or u-cher, and single women who wear u-coe, or bonnets. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and porcelain dolls, 'Lanna Flirts' (pair) $52.95 Famed for their beauty and elegance, the people of Lanna are vividly personified by this charming couple. Lanna women usually wear a sabai across the chest, over their coat, and a sarong. Suwit Suthamtha captures every minute detail, including makeup and bright yellow flowers on her hair, adding a coquettish touch with her jewelry. The men wear loose-fitting pants and a bright coat, reminiscent of old Myanmar (Burmese) fashion. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king. They were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Mae-ying refers to the Lanna women of polite and graceful charm - always beautiful and elegant, as reflected by Suthamtha's doll. These dolls are entirely hand-crafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron cloth; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron.

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lanna Girl' $47.95 Suwit Suthamtha presents this exquisite doll personifying an elegant girl from Lanna (northern Thailand). Renowned for their gracious beauty, Lanna girls customarily wear a sabai across the chest and a sarong. Suthamtha captures every minute detail, including makeup and bright yellow flowers upon her hair, adding a coquettish touch with her jewelry. With a ceramic face and limbs, this Lanna girl recalls the high class distinction for which the people of Lanna have been renowned. Her presence will bring a touch of sophisticated charm. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans who collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes - I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, the people of the municipalities, and were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Mae-ying refers to the Lanna women of polite and graceful charm - always beautiful and elegant, as reflected by Suthamtha's doll.

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lanna Dancer' $58.95 Sophisticated and exact in her movements, this Lanna dancer smiles as she greets during celebrations. Suwit Suthamtha is masterful at recreating the renowned elegance and poise of a woman from Lanna, and her ceramic hands mirror the enthralling movements in a Thai dance. A superb piece, this doll is certain to draw admiration. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, "the people of the municipalities," and they were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Dances are slow paced, mesmerizing audiences with their captivating beauty. Thai dances are renowned for the sophisticated hand movements, some of which refer a greeting during a celebration, especially Buddhist. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and porcelain dolls, 'Happy Paduang' (couple) $52.95 Numerous shiny rings around her neck, this Paduang doll personifies long standing customs. Her beau, also fully dressed in Paduang fashion, escorts her. Their main attires are in black, enlivened by colorful embroidered accessories and shiny jewelry. Entirely hand-crafted by Suwit Suthamtha, this endearing couple is a proud representative of one of Thailand's legendary hill tribes. Although the Paduang are considered to be a group within the Karen hill tribe, they do not speak any of the Karen's three languages. Paduang women are renowned for their foot-long necks adorned with up to 16 to 20 brass or silver rings, and they also wear up to 30 rings around their calves, for they believe the number of rings is a measure of their beauty. These dolls are entirely hand-crafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron cloth; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron Please note, that since the flowers are made with whatever material is available, their color may differ to the one viewed in this picture.

Cotton doll, 'Country Girl' $27.95 This charming country girl wears a straw hat and long blonde braids. Anita Espinoza crafts the smiling doll by hand, clothing her in a red dress and shoes. Fibers from the agave plant form the hair.

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Paduang Woman' $44.95 For the Paduang, the beauty of a woman lies in the length of her neck indicated by the number of rings she wears around it. Suwit Suthamtha exemplifies this age-old tradition with this exquisite doll, dressed with a woven skirt and wearing a singular headdress made lavish with color beaded motifs. This Paduang doll makes a remarkable addition to a beloved doll collection. Although the Paduang are considered to be a group within the Karen, they do not speak any of their three languages. The Paduangs mainly live in Burma and a few have migrated to Northern Thailand. Paduang women are renowned for their foot-long necks adorned with up to 16 to 20 brass or silver rings, and they also wear up to 30 rings around their calves, for they believe the number of rings is a measure of their beauty. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lanna Boy' $48.95 Dressed in pants and suit, with a golden sash over his shoulder, this doll attests to the elegant beauty that distinguishes the people of Lanna. Suwit Suthamtha recreates the attire with stark accuracy and refined taste, making this doll a superb addition to an international doll collection. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, the people of the municipalities, and were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Originally, men wore only pants and their torso was bare. Later they adopted the usage of a jacket, like the people of central Thailand. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and ceramic dolls, 'Northern Charm' (pair) $64.95 Young and beautiful, a couple in ethnic dress represents the charm of Northern Thailand. The handsome man boasts red pants favored by the hill tribes, while his jacket is sewn from central Thai textiles. He wraps his head in the style of Myanmar. Shy and demure, the girl combs her hair into a smooth chignon to show off her aluminum earrings. Her green sarong is northern in style, while her shirt shows hill tribe motifs. Suwit Suthamtha crafts the dolls by hand with expressive ceramic faces.

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Yao Girl' $44.95 Dressed to brave the extreme cold weather of the high mountains, this doll represents women form the Yao hill tribe. Dressed snugly, her attire is recreated with careful consideration by Suwit Suthamtha and the artisans that work with him. The Yao, or Mien, are a unique hill tribe - known for the high value they place on propriety, decorum and dignified manners. They much prefer to talk and listen to folk tales than singing and dancing during celebrations. The Yao easily adopt children, whether form their own tribe or outside tribes such as the Shan, Laotian or Thai. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him: "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Umbrella Girl' $47.95 This exquisite doll embodies the graceful beauty and elegance of a Sao Bo-Sang, or "umbrella" girl, from Chiang Mai. Suwit Suthamtha recreates every detail to capture the charm poise of this Sao Bo-Sang wearing a crimson outfit complemented by golden jewelry and legendary Thai embroidery. Her beautiful parasol mirrors those made of saa paper and is detachable. An admirable piece for exhibition, this doll is certain to delight the viewer. 150 years ago, Lanna was ruled by their own king so the people there referred to themselves as Khon Muang, "the people of the municipalities," and were renowned for their charm and interest in older cultures. Sao refers to young girl and Bo-Sang is a district in Chiang Mai famous for their saa paper and cloth parasols. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life." Care Instructions: The parasol is detachable so Suthamtha recommends to slip it in the girl's hand, slightly tilted for it will not stand straight.

Cotton and porcelain dolls, 'Lahu in Love' (pair) $52.95 Renowned as hunters, the Lahu dress in colorful garments for special celebrations. The women wear a red and black sarong and a white cloth on their head. Silver and beaded jewelry complement their captivating attires. The men wear loose shirt and pants, usually with blue motifs. Suwit Suthamtha masterfully recreates the Lahu dress code for this exquisite pair of dolls. The Lahu, or also Musur, live in northern Thailand and take pride in their hunting abilities. The Lahu are animists and believe one spirit controls all the others, although 30% of them have converted to Christianity. Lahu are independent people and love entertainment and the easy life. Due to economic hardships, Lahu women have improved their skills in weaving on back straps and on foot treadle looms. Lahu weaves are characterized by the fact that the pattern solely appears on one side of the cloth. Lahu women also produce delicate and colorful patchwork appliqu�, banding and scalloping, and embroidery; they use silver half-sphere buttons to embellish their attires. These dolls are entirely hand-crafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron cloth; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron. Please note, that since the flowers are made with whatever material is available, their color may differ to the one viewed in this picture.

Cotton doll, 'Margarita' $27.95 Little Margarita dons a straw bonnet with colorful ribbons. Her name in Spanish means "Daisy." Anita Espinoza crafts the charming doll by hand and dresses her in pink. Fibers from the agave plant form the hair.

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Lisaw Girl' $39.95 Ornate and elaborate, the Lisaw costumes reflect their philosophy - "I, or mine, is and always will be number one." An extravagant show of color in attire and jewelry characterizes the dress code of the Lisaw, so superbly recreated for this doll by Suwit Suthantha. This Lisaw girl will enthrall the admirer and collector of regional dolls. The Lisu, or Lisaw, are found at 500 feet above sea level in northern Thailand, and their colorful dresses differ greatly from the Lisaw of China and Burma, who dress in black. Thailand's Lisu women are always embellishing their attires in the pursuit of being number one, and when they dress up of their New Year celebration, the amount of jewelry they wear can weigh up to four pounds! Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and ceramic doll, 'Karen Girl' $32.95 The admirable dress of the Karen women is recreated with singular accuracy by Suwit Suthamtha. Beads of many colors complement the colorful attire, and the doll features the famous woven and embroidered artistry of the Karen women. The Karen are renowned for their colorful weaves, which distinguish each subgroup within the Karen population of Thailand and Burma. Hospitable out of caution, the Karen believe that if a family does not offer hospitality to a visitor, he in turn will be angered and might set a curse on the family or steal a family member's soul. Proud of their weaving skill, the Karen name has now become synonymous to "weaver" and single women are expected to dress with loose v-neck blouses whereas married women are allowed colorful skirts and blouses, usually in red and blue. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him: "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and porcelain doll, 'Yao Man' $57.95 Sunida Sookcharoen recreates the stunning attire of the Yao as she dresses this porcelain doll with sublime accuracy. An embroidered sash of many colors rests upon a black attire accented by blue and red appliqu� work. A cherubic face enlivens the Yao doll, for Sookcharoen's dolls come "from my heart. I try to give them soul and make them look like real humans." The Yao, or Mien, are a unique hill tribe - known for the high value they place on propriety, decorum and dignified manners. They much prefer to talk and listen to folk tales than singing and dancing during celebrations. The Yao easily adopt children, whether form their own tribe or outside tribes such as the Shan, Laotian or Thai. Sookcharoen works closely with her assistant in the preparation of the dolls, starting with the preparation of the clay which they can easily obtain. Sookcharoen prepares the molds herself and after casting she polishes the piece which at this point has achieved a green appearance from the ingredients she used, such as yellow and pink pigments, sodium silicate and water. The piece is fired at 1280�C for 12 hours and then hand-painted with extreme care before firing again at 700�C for four hours. Finally, Sookcharoen adds the finishing touches including a wig, eyelashes and the beautiful garments of Thailand. The doll arrives on a raintree stand.

Cotton and ceramic dolls, 'Northern Hill Tribes ' (set of 7) $62.95 An extraordinary ensemble representative of Thailand�s hill tribes, these enchanting dolls by Suwit Suthamtha are truly captivating. Suthamtha is masterful at capturing every minute detail of their customary attire, where color and detailed embroidery denote place of origin as well as their attitudes towards beauty and life. Graceful and charming, these dolls are certain to enthrall the admirer of custom and tradition. Yao women belong to a tribe that places great value and decorum, whereas the Lahu are independent people and love entertainment and the easy life. The Akha are highly spiritual and see themselves as a link in the chain of life. The Lisu women are always embellishing their attires and have the best one, and the Karen are renowned for their colorful weaves, which distinguish each subgroup within the Karen population of Thailand and Burma. The Hmong create wondrous elaborate weaves and are fond of wearing their silver ornaments during ceremonies. They are devoted to the sky spirit who they believe has created their own ancient way of life. And the Paduang are a group within the Karen, and believe the longer the neck, the more beautiful the woman. Suthamtha made a number of trials before achieving the hand-crafted perfection that characterizes his work and that of the artisans that collaborate with him. "I begin by molding the shape of the head, arms and legs in clay, and kiln the pieces at 1472�F. I then paint in the skin as well as the facial features. I use wire for the body, and shape it into a human posture, I wrap it with raw cloth and use kapok seeds for stuffing. I attach the ceramic limbs and face so that they may move. Then, women working at my workshop sew their clothes, I teach them how as well as about the different hill tribe costumes. Finally, I add jewelry items made of aluminum and zinc to authenticate what I see in real life."

Cotton and porcelain dolls, 'White Hmong Couple' (pair) $52.95 This handsome, elegant couple is dressed in the tradition of the Hmong, one of Thailand's hill tribes. Suwit Suthamtha is extremely careful in the reproduction of their garments and accessories, ensuring a faithful depiction. Both dressed in black, the woman wears shiny aluminum jewelry akin to the original silver accessories. Embroidered sashes with exuberant colors feature patterns of genuine Hmong inspiration. There are two groups within the Hmong, the Blue Hmongs and the White Hmongs. For centuries, the Hmong have sustained themselves through the cultivation of the opium poppy. However, most people are now seeking alternative markets, such as the fabrication and selling of exquisite needlework. Women traditionally sew by hand the family's clothes, which are usually made of cotton or hemp. Their garments are richly decorated with magnificent embroideries, and they are fond of wearing silver jewelry. These dolls are entirely hand-crafted by Suthamtha. They feature a wire skeleton and a ceramic body to facilitate movement into a desired pose. The woman's face is shaped of porcelain while the man's is made of ceramic. Their expressive faces are delicately painted by hand. The clothes are recreated from cotton and Dacron; the jewelry is made of aluminum and colorful plastic beads. 70% cotton, 30% Dacron. Please note, that since the flowers are made with whatever material is available, their color may differ to the one viewed in this picture.

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