Kewpie Dolls

Kewpie Dolls originated in 1912 in Germany. The inventor was Rosie O’Neill, a cartoonist. Her cartoons featured baby cupid characters. The cartoons gained popularity in 1909.

First there was paper doll variations of Kewpie  dolls.

In 1912 kewpie dolls were produced in bisque. Then in 1920 they were produced in celluloid.

 

In 1949 they started to make Kewpie Dolls in Plastic

Bisque and celluloid dolls are very expensive to purchase and are in high demand with doll collectors. I am still on the lookout to purchase a vintage bisque one. 

My fascination for Kewpie dolls comes from my childhood. Who can remember going to a fair and your parents purchasing you a kewpie on a cane? Here is one that I purchased at the Easter Show many years ago.

Since then I have purchased a few more.

 

Kewpie dolls are so cute and are a part of my childhood. Are they a part of your childhood?

Back soon…..

Ridiculously Retro  xx

 

Title image source

Rosie O’Neill cartoons source

Paper doll kewpie source

Bisque kewpie doll source 

Celluloid kewpie doll source

Plastic kewpie doll source