Labubu dolls may be the rage, but this Delhi cartoonist's doll collection continues to win hearts

Indian Express

13-07-2025

The woman exudes elegance in a striking red dress adorned with layers of delicate, cream-colored lace ruffles that cascade to the floor. She is poised — with one hand on her hip and the other gracefully holding an open fan. On the other side, her partner strikes a commanding pose with one arm raised and the other elegantly curved behind him. He is dressed in high-waisted trousers, a tailored black jacket with red accents, and a traditional flat-brimmed hat.
They are Flamenco dancers from Spain, frozen in motion inside a glass case — two among the many dolls that fill every corner of a unique museum in Delhi.
Labubu plushie dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung based on Nordic folklore, may be the internet's latest obsession — while smashing price records. But in the Capital, long before the fanfare, it was one cartoonist's international doll collection that quietly captured hearts.
This is Shankar's International Doll Museum.
Founded by political cartoonist K Shankar Pillai, the museum has one of the world's largest collections of costume dolls. Inaugurated in 1965, it sits on the first floor of the Children's Book Trust on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.
The story of the museum began in the early 1950s when Pillai was part of a delegation accompanying then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on a trip abroad. He was gifted a Hungarian doll by the country's ambassador — and was instantly captivated. Thus began his journey of collecting a costume doll from each country he visited.
Today, the museum is home to over 7,000 dolls from 85 countries.
It is divided into two main sections, with seven sub-sections. One section showcases wooden and wax dolls from European countries, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The other features dolls from Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa, and India.
Each section includes display glass cases etched with maps of the respective countries, offering a visual cue to the dolls' cultural roots.
As visitors explore, children press their small hands and noses against the glass, eyes wide with wonder.
'Come here, see! These are such pretty dolls,' a small girl calls to her friend, standing on her toes to get a better look at the French dolls.
These dolls reflect a journey through the evolution of culture and clothing. 'Barbies' with silky grey hair are placed on pedestals — some dressed in short skirts, loose socks, and boots, while others wear modern jumpsuits. In contrast, figures of elderly women are positioned at the base, wearing vintage gowns and carrying baskets of lavender, as noted in a label: 'grown in the upper regions of France.'
One display features the first ever doll from Pillai's collection — a young peasant woman seated on a three-tiered pedestal, fondly gazing at the corn in her hand. Beside her are other dolls of women, both young and old, engaged in crochet work.
The British display features a doll dressed as a royal queen in a regal gown and crown, flanked by guards in traditional red coats and bearskin hats — evoking the quintessential image of British pageantry.
A mother of two, who did not wish to be named, says she used to visit the museum regularly with her dad. 'I used to come here with my papa (father) and have been fascinated since then. I've now brought my children to learn about the different countries… I think my daughter is enjoying it a lot here,' she adds.
Another section of the museum houses dolls from across India.
There are dolls from Kerala dressed like Kathakali dancers, dancing at the forefront of a grand procession of elephants, each carrying people on their backs. There are also women dressed in traditional white sarees with golden borders (kasavu saris) with gajras (flower garlands) neatly tucked into their hair buns.
Chhattisgarh is represented through vibrant folk dances, Punjab through its energetic bhangra and colourful attire. Jammu and Kashmir is depicted through scenes of Shikara boat rides and intricate carpet weaving.
A Delhi family — a woman, her daughter and granddaughter — is also among the visitors. The grandmother is excited to show her granddaughter the cultural tapestry of her home state, Assam.
'This is 'Mekhela Chador,' a two-piece garment worn by women on special occasions. This is made by special silk found in Assam,' she says, pointing to a large doll across the glass. 'I'm happy to see my state being represented in such a warm spirit,' she adds.
Meanwhile, her granddaughter tugs at her mother's hand.
'See, Maa, it moves!' she exclaims.
She's pointing at the thalaiyatti bommai, or bobble-head doll, from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Made of terracotta, the dolls are in various sizes, with a heavy, rounded base and a detachable, lighter head that wobbles gently. Hand-painted in bright colors, they feature wide eyes, golden crowns, and intricate ornaments.
Aarti, who has come here with her two-year-old son from Gurgaon, is happy that such places exist. 'I'm learning new things about Indian culture… These dolls show the diversity of clothing, traditions, and art forms — not only from India but from around the world.'
Navin Menon, the in-charge of the doll museum, says the collection continues to grow. 'When ambassadors of the embassies in India come here and notice that a new doll needs to be added, or an existing one from their country needs to be replaced, they get the doll made in their country and then gift it to us,' she says.
Asked whether a Labubu might be added, she smiles. 'It would be great — but a Labubu is a character doll. Our collection focuses on costume dolls.'
She also mentions that doll repair workshops are occasionally held by the museum to restore and maintain the collection.
As visitors head toward the exit, two dolls are available for purchase — one a bride from Maharashtra, the other a dancer performing the Manipuri Ras.
Both are displayed in a glass cabin — waiting to be taken home.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm. Open all days, except Mondays, national holidays, and festivals
Entry fee: Rs 25 for adults, Rs 10 for children, plus service tax