Resurrecting Rochard - The Rochard Doll Company

The result of combining Rochard dolls with Stanhope jewel necklaces is truly mystical. Each doll becomes a unique masterpiece, exuding a sense of mystery and elegance. The hidden images within the necklaces add an element of surprise and intrigue, captivating the imagination of all who behold them.

The modelling starts with a high-resolution digital 3d-scan of an original antique Rochard doll. The fine details are then "cleaned up" and adjusted using CAD and digital sculpting programs. It is not until the digital sculpt is perfected, that the model is then 3d printed using a suitable polymer resin. The model is enlarged to account for the porcelain shrinkage that occurs throughout subsequent firings. Once the model is perfected and printed, fine pottery plaster is poured with the utmost care and planning in order to fabricate the mold that will be used to make all of the dolls. Each mold can yield but a very limited quantity of dolls. We make a maximum of 20 dolls from each mold.

Once the mold is finished and cured, doll artisan Jennie Sykes, pours the beautiful blue-white porcelain bisque doll head and shoulderplate. She then waits for just the right moment to open the mold and extract the new born Rochard Doll. Before this virgin porcelain dries and begins to harden too much, she commences to clean the casts and she cuts and pierces provisions for eyes, wig pate & of course the mystical microphoto jewels that will adorn the necklace. Once cleaned of any imperfections and mold seams, it is fired to approximately 2200°F over a 12-hour period to reach vitrification. Finally the doll can begin to possess it own unique character as the doll-master skillfully and stylistically completes multiple painting and firing regimens.

Face and shoulder plate decorations are achieved in multiple sessions of painting and firings at the various temperatures required to obtain the look and depth of 19th century Rochard Dolls. Fine paintbrushes are used to add intricate details to the doll's face, including rosy cheeks, elegant eyelashes & brows, and a sweet smile. High carat gold particles, suspended in a medium, are painted onto the bisque and then fired to creates the lovely jewelry settings for the Stanhope gems. Finally, it is fired for the last time to approximately   Alas a doll is produced and her eyes, earring attachment wires, pate and wig are all hand fashioned to and affixed to bring the doll to life! Jennie Sykes is a highly skilled artisan and the founder of Porcelain Classics. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, she has practiced her craft to perfection. Her passion for porcelain and her exceptional skills have earned her a reputation as one of the most elite dollmakers world-wide. Along with her love of Rochard Dolls, Jennie's attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in every piece she creates, making her a true master of her art.

The stanhope jewels are the "piece de resistance" of every Rochard doll. They are the quintessential element that make Rochard dolls so magical. Each stanhope jewel contains a stunningly crisp magnified microphoto that is sure to mesmerize all who flutter an eyelash against it's smooth cabochon-like domed surface. Michael Sheibley, renowned violinmaker, micro-photographer and stanhope specialist carefully produces the tiny 1mm black and white microphotos. He works carefully to yield the highest resolution & contrast micro-images to make the finest quality stanhope jewels. The jewels are then made, finished and individually ground to fit in their appropriate planned mounting position within the doll necklace. The gem-like stanhope lenses, or jewels, are then fixed in the doll where they can safely remain to be enjoyed for generations to behold in the future.

In instances of complete dolls, and in keeping with the norm since the 19th century, we make our own leather kid bodies for certain dolls. Most Rochard dolls made in the 19th century were never intended to be completed with bodies. They were designed as display pieces to sit as a bust in jewelry and fashion retail shop windows to draw attention and interest. The smaller dolls like the one shown in this article were perhaps the only examples that were sometimes prepared with bodies and dress as a complete doll. Generally Rochard dolls were more of a conversation piece than a play toy for children. Most of the larger dolls with more jewels have found period bodies that are either made of leather or occasionally some are wooden and jointed. Our smaller Rochard doll "Julia" (seen throughout this article) is a smaller doll measuring 15" tall with leather kid body and with porcelain bisque arms and legs. Julia’s wig was created in the beautifully wefted mohair which sits atop a cork pate and is styled to complement her ballroom attire. Our "Julia" is also available without a body as originally intended.

Rochard dolls are known for their exquisite costumes, often inspired by historical fashion trends. Each costume is designed and sewn by hand, paying close attention to every stitch. Our Rochard ladies are typically styled and dressed in a very aristocratic Victorian era French fashion and we are happy to consult with customers about their fashion and accessory desires. From earrings to shoes, we want your Rochard doll to be the most perfect for you. In the case of the pictured example, her underwear is all artist-made and consists of a chemise, pantaloons, corset and silk half-slip.  The ballgown is made of vintage blue silk taffeta shot with gold threads.  It is completely lined and assembled in the manner of historical costume of the era.  The bodice and sleeves are bound in a rusty coral hue dupioni to compliment the coral-colored pendant painted onto the shoulder plate. She wears custom-made matching silk dancing slippers to pull the entire look together in anticipation of an elegant evening.

Customization is available for nearly every aspect of your Rochard Doll and you can order your doll with or without a body. Clothing, shoes and earrings, eye-color, hair-style and more can be customized and your doll can be made with your specifications in mind.. The Rochard Stanhope Jewels are also available with any image(s) you provide and in custom gemstone colors. You can personalize your doll with family or vacation photos or just any photo you cherish. All of this adds up to the most perfect doll for you and your collection.