Historical information

Popular from early twentieth century. Based on comic strip illustration by Rose O'Neill that appeared in Ladies Home Journal in 1909. First produced in Ohrdruf, Germany. Made out of bisque, then celluloid , hard plastic versions from 1949. Name derived from "cupid" the Roman god of beauty. The time capsule at 1939 New York World' Fair contained a Kewpie doll. The term "Kewpie doll" is sometimes mistakenly applied to the troll doll. This particular style of doll was awarded as a carnival prize and often collected. Many other articles were made using their images[ Wikipedia, 2012].
Added to the collection as part of a Toys and Games exhibition. Many visitors commented on having owned one when they were growing up

Physical description

A flesh coloured plastic jointed kewpie doll. It has rigid painted eyes, webbed fingers, head,arms and legs jointed to body so can move them, "cowlick" hair on top of head, above ears and nape of neck, back spine and bottom clearly moulded, smiling painted lips