Josef Originals Birthday Dolls first originated in the mid to late-1940's as Muriel Joseph George designed these creative dolls during the end of World War II. Muriel began designing these dolls to express her love for children, families, animals, and more. Her first designs were produced between 1945 and 1962 in California before moving the manufacture of the dolls to Japan for economic reasons. Although the original Josef line was hundreds of items, most recent production has centered on birthday dolls, birthstone dolls and some special occasion dolls such as first communion, confirmation, sweet 16, bride and groom, and a few musical pieces.Josef Originals