Posted 13 years ago
oiseauxenvol
(1 item)
This kewpie head is large and I was wondering if anyone knows how old it might be? The paint is still evident. Surface is crackled but very stable.
Made of some sort of composite material, not plastic.
It's composition, and I would say the 30's
The Kewpies premiered in 1913 with Rose O'Neill's comic tales in the Woman's Home Journal. They were made into dolls soon after their introduction in the magazine. Based on that information and the crazing (or cracking) in the composition material this Kewpie head seems very early; it might just be from 1913 or so.
The first Kewpie's were made from bisque or china and celluloid. Based on the size alone it makes this doll newer. The face also makes me believe this is a Cameo Kewpie.
hi - Vestaswind . The head is appro 4"x4" - could it be earlier? 1920's ? A
It could be, as Cameo did make them in the 20's. Here is an example of a "minty" one
http://www.rubylane.com/item/638480-335/Composition-Rose-ONeill-Cameo-Kewpie
Yes, looks very similar. mine looks like it is old old old, but it is really just in bad condition!!! Thanks for your expertise!! A
I need to revise my last comment: The Kewpies premiered in 1909.
The paint is intact and it's not crumbling. I have seen worse, much worse!
Vestaswind - the top hair is a bit different than the one on your link. Mine is cuter I think!!! thanks again - gives me a place to start. I may or my not sell - If I was a doll collector I would definitely not part with it. There is something spiritual about this little one.
You can put "Kewpie parts or TLC, repair" on an eBay watch list. Sometimes you can find the body and limbs on there, and put it back together!