Under the Christmas tree....in 1903

Turn of the Century toys made with wood and paper lithography are favorites of mine. Perfect and very sweet under a Christmas tree adorned with traditional glass ornaments. I love the simplicity of these toys.  I just find them to be so colorful and artistic.

 These little horses are paper lithograph on wood. Chromo-Lithography was a new and exciting printing process in the late 1800's.This horse set was the first litho toy I ever purchased, over 25 years ago.
Up close:

The artwork could be painted in great detail, and then printed to be used in hundreds of ways. Especially for playthings. Here you see the printed paper atop the wooden body with metal legs which move as you push the wagon along.

Here is another, smaller litho horse and cart.

 The paper covered picture puzzle blocks were very popular at the turn of the century.

 As were the nesting blocks.

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I love these wonderful images, they are too darling for words!

I am sure, that at the time of printing, the colors were quite brilliant and bright.

Now, a century later, they have mellowed to a nice subdued tint.

To avoid too much clutter, I'm not putting too many pieces on this small table, but

  I have dozens of games, puzzles, and toys made in this manner because

 these old time playthings are easily available for the antique toy hunter.

 You will want a toy whose paper is fairly intact. If it is loose in any way, you can repair it with white glue. Most of these Lithograph on wood toys are very affordable.
 The Bliss Company was on the forefront in making these toys, Noah's arks, blocks, ships, trains, games, Pianos....

 I'm afraid my little toy piano is in pretty rough shape as far as the litho art is concerned, It is barely there at all... but I paid a  pittance for the piano, so it was worth it.

Bliss was most famous for their dollhouses.

 Bliss Dollhouses can be pricey, but are clearly charming.

Bliss dollhouses are litho-covered wood, inside and out. The bricks, windows, balusters, curtains, everything... Is printed paper.
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 The front of the house opens up and....
 

The wallpaper, carpets and fireplace are already inside.

Even the furniture  was made of paper!

 You could get free furniture with the purchase of certain products such as Buttermilk Soap! Just cut it out, fold and paste.
 Now, the reason my Bliss Dollhouse is in such wonderful condition, is because it is NOT an antique, but rather, was made from a kit copying the original dollhouse down to the tiniest hinges.
Honestly, most of the antique Bliss dollhouses go for thousands of dollars, much too high for my budget, so, in this case, I am happy to make a reproduction.
And, I am about to make another one.

Here is another Bliss kit, which I hope to put together this evening so that I can add it to the Christmas display.

If you want to put a Bliss Dollhouse under your tree this year, the designer making the kits is Jean Nordquist, and you can find her online.
 PS. I happen to know there is a finished  Bliss Dollhouse on Ebay right this minute, it is just like mine!
Cheers to you, and off I go to find my glue and scissors......