12″ Seated Porcelain “Rebeccah“, The first issue in the Amish Blessing Collection by Julie Good-Kruger.
“Rebeccah” came with the following information:
“Rebeccah” has finished her chores for the day-the eggs are collected, the calves have been fed, and the berries picked for Mama’s homemade pie. Now, “Rebeccah” can sit down on her blanket in the shade of a tree and enjoy a quiet moment with her favorite doll. She arranges the doll’s bonnet and apron with care, then cuddles her tenderly close to her cheek.
“Rebeccah” is the very first doll designed by artist Julie Good-Kruger to bear the hallmark of the Edwin M. Knowles China Company. She is also the first issue in Amish Blessings-a collection of dolls honoring one of this humble community’s most precious gifts, its’ children.
“Oftentimes, I see little Amish girls sitting off in a distant field playing with their dolls.” says Ms. Good-Kruger. “I hope that, through “Rebeccah” collector’s will come to know the gentle nature of the Amish children and their appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.”
From the sincerity in her blue hand-set eyes, to the affectionate tilt of her poseable head, we can almost feel the love in “Rebeccah’s” heart. Gently rounded cheeks and an expression of contentment convey her pleasant personality. Subtle hand-painting has captured the sun-blushed look of a little girl who has just finished working outdoors on a warm summer day. Like all Amish girls, “Rebeccah’s” hair is parted down the center and conservatively styled into a bun. Her chubby arms and bents fingers with tiny nails are naturally posed to hug her doll. Her legs are crossed in a natural childlike position, and the toes of her bare feet are curled in comfort.
In keeping with her faith, “Rebeccah” is dressed in a solid, cornflower blue dress and black apron of natural cotton fabric. Both fasten with simple hooks and eyes. a crisp, white organdy prayer cap covers her hair bun, and white pantaloons are worn under her dress. She sits on a purple blanket (a favorite Amish color) that’s imprinted with a classic quilt pattern. “Rebeccah” has her very own traditional, hand-crafted faceless doll whose name and personality are left to the imagination of the little girl who loves it.”
I purchased “Rebeccah” in 1991 from Ashton Drake Galleries.