Name: Nina Ballerina and Nina in Bold Print
Made by and When: Robert Tonner c. 1994
Material: Vinyl, synthetic hair fibers, paint
Marks: (Heads) Robert Tonner / ©1994; 31/500 is handwritten on the ballerina’s head; 138/500 is handwritten on Nina in Bold Print’s head.
Height: 15 inches
Nina Ballerina
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: The dark brown curly wig has a spray of pink flowers across the top. The brown eyes are painted with painted upper eyelashes in the corners of the eyes. The mouth is closed with pale red lip color.
Clothes: The ballerina’s one-piece costume is a gold sheer overlay on pale gold fabric for the “leotard.” Gold patterned tulle creates the attached layered tutu and the gold ruffle at the neckline. Sheer stockings glitter with gold accents and the gold lamé ballet shoes have gold ties.
Nina in Bold Print
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: The dark brown curly wig extends to the waist and is accented with a fabric scarf that matches the material of the costume. The brown eyes are painted with painted upper eyelashes in the corners of the eyes. The mouth is closed with pale red lip color.
Clothes: Nina in Bold Print wears an orange, green, and yellow print dress with matching pantaloons and headband, a yellow and orange beaded necklace, and tan leather sandals.
Other: Both dolls are examples of Robert Tonner’s 1990s limited-edition doll creations made in his New York factory for adult collectors using only the finest materials including real leather shoes. Both Ninas share the same head sculpt and were made in limited editions of 500 each. The ballerina is #31 of 500, and Nina in Bold Print is #138 of 500. Hang tags that serve as certificates of authenticity were included with the dolls. The “Nina” sculpt was used for other dolls by Robert Tonner. Not shown, Nina in Batik is another Nina by Robert Tonner.
Gallery
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