To trace the history of the dollhouse is to follow how different societies emerged. Indeed, the first miniature houses were those made by the ancient Egyptians, crafted as sacred burial objects.
In the 16th century, wealthy individuals began 'downsizing' their properties as elaborate cabinet houses replete with furnishings made from marble, ivory, silver, and other precious metals. But it was the Victorian era that heralded the golden age of the dollhouse. It was during this period that American manufacturers also seized on the popularity of what would become one of the most desirable toys of the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.
In this gallery, we open the door and peek inside the history of the dollhouse and follow its evolution from a status symbol for the wealthy and privileged to a toy enjoyed by millions of children around the world. Click on to continue reading.