Cloth & textile dolls
Spot-clean gently with a barely-damp cloth; avoid soaking. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and store in breathable cotton, never sealed plastic. Add a cedar block to deter moths.
Porcelain & ceramic pieces
Dust with a soft, dry brush. Handle by the sturdiest part, never delicate limbs. Display away from high-traffic edges, and cushion with acid-free tissue when stored.
Carved wood & marionettes
Wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Keep away from radiators and damp to prevent cracking or warping. For marionettes, loosely coil strings and hang or lay flat to avoid tangling.
Handwoven textiles
Air out rather than over-wash. Follow the maker’s care label; many natural-dye textiles prefer cold, gentle hand-washing or professional care. Roll rather than fold to avoid permanent creases.
Beadwork & jewelry
Store flat in a soft pouch to keep strands from stressing. Keep away from perfume and lotion. Clean beads with a dry cloth only.
A note on longevity
The best care is thoughtful display and gentle handling. Treat each piece as the heirloom it is, and it will outlast us all. Questions about a specific piece? Ask our curators.