Vintage 1940s Celluloid Carnival Kewpie Doll--6 Available

View Similar Items

1940s Coney Island Amusement Park Kiddie Car Fire Engine in Original Condition

Set of Eight Folk Art Carnival Punks / Knockdown Dolls

Vintage Carnival Toss Game

Late 19th Century English Folk Art Jig Doll

Kewpie Doll W/ Teddy Bear Iron Door Stop

Vintage Carousel Horse

Early 20th Century American Jumping Jack Figure

'Strike ‘Em Out’ Carnival Toss Sign, 1940s USA

19th Century American Folk Art Rocking Horse

Hotel Du Bon Repos, French Game

Mid-Century Coin Operated Horse Ride

Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game

1 of 4

Vintage 1940s Celluloid Carnival Kewpie Doll--6 Available

About the Item

Makes a lovely unique gift for your cutie, sure to inspire a kiss! Adorable treasure Celluloid Kewpie with cane feathers, top hat, earrings, bracelet and necklace. Moveable arms. Her large eyes and cute little lips create an iconic look. Marked in raised letters, Japan Celluloid Kewpies in good condition are hard to find due to the frailty of the thin celluloid. Several are available--- All decked out and the only place to go is in your arms. Kewpie is a brand of dolls and figurines that were conceived as comic strip characters by cartoonist Rose O'Neill. The illustrated cartoons, appearing as baby cupid characters, began to gain popularity after the publication of O'Neill's comic strips in 1909, and O'Neill began to illustrate and sell paper doll versions of the Kewpies. The characters were first produced as bisque dolls in Waltershausen, Germany, beginning in 1912, and became extremely popular in the early 20th century.[1] The Kewpie dolls were initially made out of bisque exclusively, but composition versions were introduced in the 1920s, and celluloid versions were manufactured beginning in the mid-1920s.The dolls were easily recognizable as a result of the unique, distinct shape and the brand ‘kewpie’ became hugely successful. The kewpie doll is infamous for its impish smile and eyes that are slightly turned to the side. These dolls were sometimes lovingly called ‘cupid’ because of its resemblance to the mythical matchmaker. The dolls were easily recognizable as a result of the unique, distinct shape and the brand ‘kewpie’ became hugely successful. The kewpie doll is infamous for its impish smile and eyes that are slightly turned to the side. These dolls were sometimes lovingly called ‘cupid’ because of its resemblance to the mythical matchmaker. Very Collectible Today!!!

Similar to:
Rose O'Neill (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Diameter: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1940
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
West Palm Beach, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU97338425133