Posted 14 years ago
Maureen
(3 items)
I recently picked up this doll at a yard sale...not sure what to think about the little guy...cute or ugly, sad or funny! 23" tall with a 20" head circumference, strange body material...never seen anything like it and can't find another one on the web...would appreciate anyone who can tell me a little about what he is! Thanks, Maureen
Looks like a Kuddle Kewpie look alike. What is the face made of? Celluloid? (Very thin plastic type material)
Thanks so much for the info...I believe the head is composition...it's heavy and weighs the doll down...there are surface cracks on the back by the neck...do you know what the material on the body is called? Also, is the 20" circumference of the head unusual? I can't find one larger than 17". Thanks again.
Hi, you have found a Cheerful Cherub. the head is composition and they came on different cloth bodies.In the 1920's there was a daily cartoon called the Cheerful Cherub by Rebecca Mc Cann. You can still find copies of this book on Abe's Books.Com The doll looks very much like a kewpie and there is a reason for that! Joseph Kallus who worked with Rose O' Neill from the age of 17 untill his death at the age of 89. He sculped many of the Kewpies and other wonderful character dolls. He really was Rose's right hand man. If you look at your Cherub closely you will see a resemblence to the 23 in compo kewpie on a cloth body. All he had to do was redo the curl on the top of the head and change the painting to look like the cherub. It wasn't a big seller so they are rare. They are from the ninteen fourty's as was the kewpie of that size. I think your doll is wonderful but I would take the body apart for the pattern and give her a redo. Let me know if I can help with any more info. by the way I also found my cherub at a garage sale back in the 1960's and she is one of my favorites. Sincerely K. Calvin
Karin - thanks so much for the info! very much appreciated...I put my doll out every time I have a yard sale or sell at a flea market and get lots of comments...ranging from so cute! to really scary! haha...I think my big guy is adorable, so...it's nice to know he's rare, as I am selling most of my antiques in anticipation of a future move to CA from PA...hopefully I can find someone who'll appreciate him! Thanks again, Maureen