The history of sex dolls can be traced back over 2,000 years, with one of the earliest references found in Roman literature. The Roman poet Ovid included the myth of Pygmalion in his work Metamorphoses, published in 8 AD. In this story, Pygmalion, a sculptor and the king of Cyprus, carved a statue of a woman so beautiful that he fell deeply in love with her. He named her Galatea. Moved by his devotion, the goddess Aphrodite brought the statue to life, allowing Pygmalion to be with the woman he loved.
Some historians also point to 17th-century Dutch sailors as pioneers of more practical sex doll concepts. These sailors, facing long and lonely sea voyages, created primitive companions using cloth and rags. While these early forms were rudimentary, they laid the groundwork for the evolution of sex dolls into the sophisticated products we see today.
The Rise of Realistic Sex Dolls
Modern custom sex dolls are typically made from high-quality medical-grade silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). These materials offer exceptional elasticity, durability, resilience, and realism. They are soft to the touch, maintain their form well, and can withstand a range of environmental conditions, including high temperatures and extended use.
The realism of these dolls is striking:
Facial expressions are lifelike and detailed
Joints are fully articulated, allowing a wide range of poses
Body softness and shape closely mimic human features
Many users find these dolls not only physically appealing but also emotionally comforting, treating them as companions or lovers.
Cost and Materials: Real Dolls vs. Inflatable Dolls
While real dolls offer a high level of craftsmanship and realism, their prices typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. This reflects the cost of materials (TPE or silicone), internal metal skeletons, head sculpting, mold development, and factory investment. Interestingly, despite the price, profit margins for real doll manufacturers and sellers tend to be lower than those for cheaper inflatable dolls.
Inflatable dolls, on the other hand, are usually made from PVC, plastic leather, or other low-end materials. They are significantly cheaper but far less realistic. Some sellers misleadingly market these as "silicone sex dolls," so first-time buyers should be cautious and always check the product weight and material details before purchasing.