LET'S FIND OUT: Kewpie Dolls
With their chubby cheeks and round bellies, classic Kewpie Dolls are irresistible! Kewpies originated as a comic strip in the US in 1909, and the Kewpie motif has been used for paper dolls, porcelain dolls and even as the mascot for a Japanese mayonnaise! A rich history for such a little baby!
What is the history of the Kewpie Doll?
American artist Rose O'Neill created the Kewpie cherubs as a comic strip for Ladies' Home Journal in 1909. Their name came from the word 'cupid', in reference to the tiny wings on their backs. These smiling characters rapidly gained popularity, evolving from paper dolls into physical toys made from porcelain bisque, and later the plastic dolls we know and love today. Symbolizing innocence and love, Kewpies became culturally significant, appearing in suffrage movement materials and achieving special prominence in post-WWII Japan, where they became the mascot for Kewpie Mayonnaise.
Where are Kewpies made?
The plastic Kewpie dolls that are sold now are created by the Obitsu Doll Company and are made exclusively in Japan.
What are some of the Kewpie Styles?
Classic Kewpie Dolls
Kewpie Doll | Mini Kewpie Doll
The Classic Kewpie Dolls come a wide range of sizes, from 1.5-inch minis to dolls as big as 24-inches! Each size doll has its own unique look and personality, but they always have the same piercing blue eyes and cherubic face.
Heart Kewpies
Heart Kewpies are also known as Angel Kewpies since their white wings are more prominent on their backs. These dolls are only made in smaller sizes (1.5-inch and 2-inch), but come with a variety of colors of hearts, with our without a hanging loop.
Clear Kewpies
Clear Kewpie Doll | Clear Kewpie Doll Keychain
Clear Kewpies are a work of art! These dolls look amazing set up on a bookshelf, ready to be posed and admired. There is also a small Clear Kewpie Keychain that is the perfect way to bring your Kewpie collection with you wherever you go!
Kewpie Accessories
Kewpie Shoes | Crochet Kewpie Costumes
The Obistsu company makes a collection of colorful shoes for the dolls. In addition, Kewpies have inspired artists all of the world to create their own Kewpie worlds.
Why are Kewpies so popular?
Kewpies are a versatile doll that you can take anywhere and are appealing to many ages. Little kids love the 2-inch and 4-inch dolls the best. They fit right in their little hands, work well in a dollhouse, and are made of durable plastic that can be easily cleaned.
The quirky Kewpies are more popular with adults. The Clear Kewpie Key Chain, Sweetheart Kewpie with Loop, and 10-inch Kewpie are the most popular with this older crowd.
We love them most for how Rose O'Neill described them herself: "...a sort of little round fairy whose one idea is to teach people to be merry and kind at the same time".
