Kewpie dolls, early 1900s to 1960s

Kewpie dolls are a type of doll that were first created in the early 20th century by American illustrator and artist, Rose O'Neill. The first Kewpie doll was designed by O'Neill in 1909, and it quickly became a popular toy for children and collectors alike.

The Kewpie doll is a small, chubby doll with a round head, big eyes, and a tuft of hair on top. It is known for its distinctive style, which includes a childlike, innocent expression and a whimsical, playful appearance. The dolls are typically made of bisque, a type of unglazed porcelain, and are more... often decorated with colourful clothes and accessories.

Rose O'Neill was inspired to create the Kewpie doll by the cherub-like figures she saw in classical art, and she wanted to create a similar figure that would appeal to children. She initially began drawing Kewpies for magazine illustrations, but soon realized their potential as a toy.

The first Kewpie dolls were produced by the J.D. Kestner Doll Company in Germany, and they were quickly embraced by American children. The dolls were marketed as a wholesome, playful toy that encouraged children to use their imaginations and play creatively.

Over the years, the Kewpie doll has continued to evolve and change with the times. In the 1920s and 1930s, the dolls were often dressed in the latest fashions, and they were popular as a collectible item. During World War II, Kewpie dolls were produced in a more patriotic style, with dolls dressed in military uniforms. less...

The Kewpie character was the invention of artist and cartoonist, Rose O'Neill (1874-1944). She had a strong interest in drawing from an early age, and after winning a prize in a drawing competition at the age of 13, and within two years was employed full-time a an artist for two magazines.

At he age of 19 she moved to New York to further her career, and within a few years became America's first woman cartoonist.

After two failed marriages she moved to live in a cottage in Missouri, and it was here, in 1909 at the more... age of 25 she created the line drawings for the Kewpie character for which she is so famous.

The line drawings were used by design student Joseph Kallus, to create the Kewpie doll. Kallus worked for Geo. Borgfeldt & Co. who had secured the distribution rights for the Kewpie doll.

The doll was an immediate success and by 1918 there were 21 factories in Germany and the United States producing kewpies to meet the demand experienced by Geo. Borgfeldt & Co.

The various manufacturers each specialised in making Kewpies in different materials. There were all bisque kewpies, celluloid kewpies and cloth and composition versions. Most Kewpies had Rose O'Neill's signature moulded into the one foot, but there were many kewpies made that were unauthorised and unsigned.

Although she became very wealthy from her creation, by 1944 she had lost most of her wealth due to her extravagant lifestyle. She died in 1944 and the rights to the Kewpie passed back to the original designer, Joseph Kallus. less...