unusual wire limb dolls with bisque faces......European??

Hi,

I just bought these unusual dolls at an estate from an old lady here in Bucks County PA.

These are very unusual, in that the faces are bisque, but the rest of the body is made up entirely of wires, NO cloth, fabric or plastic!
Wire feet stand on wooden base stand, "body" clothed like a Jester and a Clown, with bells.
They are only about 7 1/2" tall each (not counting the base).
Base marked "Made in Japan".

Does anyone know what these kind of dolls are called?
Or any other info?

Thanks for looking,

Nessa