Kewpie dolls possibly made in Taiwan
Object No. A10019
The Kewpie doll is easily recognisable by its fat litttle belly, tuft hairstyle, big eyes and whimsical expression. Kewpies have become popular as colourful souvenir of the Royal Easter Show. Originally created without clothes the Kewpies have now achieved a new level of glitz with dresses made of multiple layers of colourful tulle and ribbon, glittery bodices and metallic hairstyles . Some versions wear hats, tiaras, or feathered headdresses. The dolls are attached to a painted cane to make them easier to carry without spoiling their glamourous appearance. The 'Kewpie' was invented by American born artist, Rose O'Neill (1874-1944), who first drew the characters in illustrated magazines from 1909 and later patented the design to manufacture the dolls in 1913. Immensely popular they were originally made of bisque and later from celluloid, wood and paper. The Kewpies, named after Cupid, the Roman god of love, were originally child-like, winged, Elfish creatures sporting a topknot hairstyle. They were prominently featured in the pages of 'Good Housekeeping' and 'Woman's Home Companion'. The Kewpies were an instant success and the public showed a demand for them. Over the next several years, O'Neill became a millionaire from the sales [1}. In 1915 O’Neill became a dedicated suffragette and used her Kewpie characters to campaign for the vote for women. These Kewpies were imported from Taiwan and dressed in tulle and lace tutus, made for decades by members of the Faiella family. They were sold from the pink doll house stand at the Sydney's Royal Easter Show. Since the 1890s the kinds of events at the Easter Show have grown beyond the original agricultural competitons to include merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels and many other mechanical rides, competitive stalls, freaks, illusions, magic, death-defying acts, boxing tents, showbags and Kewpie dolls. Anni Turnbull, Curator, March 2022 Reference: [1] Norman Rockwell Museum website accessed 22/3/2022
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Summary
Object Statement
Kewpie dolls (13), and cane, celluloid / nylon / cotton / glitter / bamboo, unknown maker, possibly made in Taiwan, 1950-1959
Physical Description
Thirteen kewpie dolls made of moulded plastic, with painted facial features. The dolls are decorated with gold glitter and dressed in various brightly coloured cotton and netting materials. Each doll is attached to a cane walking stick, with one extra cane which is not attached to a doll.
PRODUCTION
Notes
The Kewpie was originally made into a paper doll that children could cut out of a publication. From there they became a celluloid head attached to a cloth body. The 1920s saw an explosion in the manufacturing of celluloid and factories in many countries were able to produce the dolls made completely from this material. This enabled the dolls to become inexpensive- making them the perfect toy for kids at the Showground as they were available cheaply and in large numbers. However, celluloid is not hard wearing and from the 1940s Kewpies were made from other types of plastics. They were still able to be made cheaply but could withstand the rough play of children, and be cleaned after a day of fairy floss and sweets.
HISTORY
Notes
The kewpie dolls were originally sold at side shows at the Royal Easter Show.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1984
Acquisition Date
21 March 1984
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