Kewpie

First designed by American cartoonist Rose O'Neill, Kewpie dolls rose to prominence in the early 20th century in their original 'bisque' form (a type of pottery that has been fired without ceramic glaze).

The 1920s brought Kewpie dolls into their composite era, with celluloid versions being produced in following decades. In 1949, Effanbee produced the first hard plastic Kewpie dolls and Cameo Co. and Jesco manufactured rubber and vinyl dolls in the 1960s to 1990s. Though the manufacturing process has changed throughout the years, Kewpie dolls have maintained their cherubic charm and cheeky smiles throughout.

The name 'Kewpie' derives from 'Cupid' - the Roman god of love. O'Neill described the cherub-faced characters as "a sort of little round fairy" who teaches people "to be merry and kind at the same time".

The history

I really like Kewpie dolls (and their subsequent spin-offs such as Sonny Angel and Kewpish Love) because I love their cheeky, almost smug faces. They always look like they are up to mischief and I believe O'Neill's description of Kewpie as being fairy-like is evident. I think cherub symbolism and art is very pretty and cute so to see this represented in a medium that I already love (toys and dolls) just makes sense for me.

Credits to Rose O'Neill for images featured on this page.