About Kewpie Dolls

Whether you're a doll collector, you've probably heard of and seen a Kewpie doll. Modern Kewpie dolls are thought to bring good luck, and you can often find miniature replicas of these bare-bottomed babies dangling from key chains or being passed out as carnival and fair prizes. Furthermore, 2009 marks Kewpie's 100th birthday, making him one of the longest celebrated and most recognizable images in the toy industry.

History

Kewpie creator Rose O'Neill, illustrator of novels, children's books and magazines, based her vision of the Kewpie doll on drawings she had completed of her baby brother during his early years. Rose's Kewpie illustrations first came to public attention in the 1909 Christmas edition of the Ladies' Home Journal magazine, where they received national acclaim. In 1912, Rose designed a Kewpie doll paper cutout for Woman' Home Companion, making them an instant hit with children. Soon after, Kewpie appeared in ads for Jell-O, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Lifebuoy and Oxydol. Furthermore, Rose, a longstanding philanthropist, used Kewpie to illustrate her stance on the war and women's rights.

Appearance

Seen as symbols of innocence and love, Kewpie dolls, named in honor of Cupid, are reminiscent of imp-like cherubs. Ranging in size from a few inches to several feet tall, Kewpie dolls are easily distinguishable with their round faces, pink cheeks and protruding bellies. Likewise, each Kewpie has a small pair of blue wings on its back. Although the earliest Kewpie dolls were unclothed, today's Kewpie dolls can be found masquerading as popular storybook characters, dressed for Halloween or poised in their holiday best.

Materials

Kewpie dolls and figurines were first produced in 1913 by the J.D. Kestner Company in Germany. The first dolls were made of bisque, which is a type of ceramic, using a single mold. Only the arms were jointed at the shoulders. Later models were made using celluloid, one of the first types of easily-molded plastics, wood and paper. Most Kewpie dolls are now made using a plastic vinyl material and come with jointed limbs and a moveable head.

Collectibles

Aside from paper cutouts and molded dolls and figurines, there was such high demand for Kewpie that his likeness was printed on everything from children's toys to kitchenware. At the high-point of Kewpie-mania, you could find Kewpie on paper items like coloring books and greeting cards. You could even find him on kitchen items, such as plates, and salt and pepper shakers.

Popularity

Each April in Branson, Missouri, Kewpie fans can attend "Kewpiesta," a festival that celebrates the Kewpie phenomenon. Devoted fans can also tour Bonniebrook, Rose O'Neill's expansive childhood home where the Kewpie craze was born. Even though Kewpie's popularity has somewhat diminished since the early 1900's, it is still one of the most recognized and celebrated toy icons today. The first hand-signed bisque dolls are the most collectible, and serious Kewpie collectors will pay hundreds of dollars for one in nice condition. Kewpie dolls in molded clothing or action poses can even fetch thousands of dollars.

Resources

• Learn more about Kewpie dolls.