ProductsChairsLounge chairsSofasOffice chairsChaises longuesStools & benchesSculpturesConference chairsAirport seatingStorage spaceMicro architectureDining tablesCafé tablesCoffee & side tablesDesksOffice furniture systemsConference systemsLightingClocksDecorative objectsCoat racks & wall shelvesTrays & vesselsAlexander Girard Antonio CitterioCharles & Ray Eames Barber OsgerbyGeorge NelsonHella JongeriusIsamu NoguchiJasper MorrisonJean ProuvéKonstantin GrcicRonan & Erwan BouroullecVerner PantonPanter&TourronCare & repairCare productsManufacturer warrantyNewBestsellerGift finderOffice chair finderLounge chair finderColour & materialAnagram SofaVitra CushionsInspirationsLiving roomDining roomHome OfficeChildren's roomOutdoorHome StoriesAugmented RealityColours & materialsWorkspaceFocusMeetingWorkshopClub OfficeCitizen OfficeStudio OfficeDynamic SpacesHospitalityAirportsEducationCo-WorkingHealthcareOur ClientsA case for classicsOffice chairsDancing OfficeHome StoriesAugmented Reality - bring Vitra products into your homeA case for classicsColour & materialAn open house A leading space for a leading art collegeHigh comfort of low energyAn office landscape - without walls or partitionsServicesCare & repairCare productsManufacturer warrantyFAQ and contactInstructionsInstructions for earlier productsConsulting & Planning StudioConsulting & planning in the VitraHausOutdoor care instructionsRepair, maintenance, overhaul at the Vitra Circle Store Campus ProfessionalsCAD dataProduct factsheetsCertificatesBrochuresSustainability reportInstructionsEcology informationpConPlanning examplesColour & Material LibraryCertificates and standardsTo the dealer loginOur ClientsAnagram SofaMikadoTyde 2 on castorsACXDancing OfficeOffice chairsMagazineStoriesConversationsExhibitionsDesignerProject VitraJust Do It!EVER GREENWhy the Eames La Fonda Chair was designedWhen a Sofa is more than just a Sofa: Anagram100% virgin wool – 100% recyclableAn archive is like a time capsuleVitraHaus Loft - A conversation with Sabine MarcelisWalking the talkA 1000 m2 piece of furnitureFrom a toy to an objectA studio visit with Tsuyoshi TaneThe Eames Collection at the Vitra Design MuseumAbout the partnership between Eames and VitraVitra CampusExhibitionsGuided tours & workshopsFood and drinkShoppingActivities for familiesArchitectureYour eventPlan your visitVitra Campus appCampus EventsNewsVitraHausVitra Design MuseumVitra SchaudepotVitra Circle Store CampusOudolf GartenAbout VitraSustainabilityJobs & CareersDesign processThe Original is by VitraHistory - Project Vitra
Wooden Dolls
By Aleishall Girard Maxon
The making of dolls is a deeply ingrained human practice that is virtually ubiquitous throughout recorded history. Wooden dolls have been discovered in the tombs of Ancient Egyptians dating back to as early as 2030 BC. Across continents and cultures, dolls have been found to play a part in our lives; from religious ceremonies or education to magic, ritual, play, protection and of course decoration.
In fact, the starting point for our grandfather’s collection – that would later become the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe – was a wooden Pinocchio gifted to him as a child in Italy. The collection at the MOIFA includes thousands of dolls from over 100 countries and as you walk through the exhibition it becomes obvious that our grandfather attached enormous significance to these objects, which are universal yet completely unique at the same time.
In fact, the starting point for our grandfather’s collection – that would later become the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe – was a wooden Pinocchio gifted to him as a child in Italy. The collection at the MOIFA includes thousands of dolls from over 100 countries and as you walk through the exhibition it becomes obvious that our grandfather attached enormous significance to these objects, which are universal yet completely unique at the same time.
You can therefore imagine that it was no real surprise when we opened a box in the archive of the Vitra Design Museum some 15 years ago and discovered Girard’s own set of wooden dolls. Though we had never seen them as children in our grandparents’ home they were immediately familiar. It was through our father that we had learned how our grandfather created this family of wooden figures after purchasing a new band saw. Exploring this new tool with his customary fervour, he executed curves and angles that were reminiscent of the Kachinas of the Southwest, Kokeshis from Japan, toys from his childhood and even robots. Once painted and adorned, however, these dolls took on a quintessentially Girard flavour and have become the de facto mascot for Vitra and perhaps even the renaissance of the entire mid-century modern period.
It is not difficult to understand why these objects have become so beloved. The desire to recognise our human experience in the world around us is eternal. This quirky, colourful family spans the range of human emotions and is a reminder that we are part of a collective, something larger than ourselves.
Given the unique and impactful presence these objects bring to an environment, it is our great pleasure to introduce two members of the Wooden Doll Family in a new larger size. We hope they bring even more whimsical joy and colour to interiors around the globe.
Publication date: 3.11.2022
Images: © Girard Studio, LLC; Vitra;