History of Kewpie Dolls, New Kewpie Doll Releases
The Birth of Kewpies
In 1909, illustrator and artist Rose O’Neill had a dream about plump little creatures she called Kewpies®, short for Cupid. “Cupid gets you into trouble and the Kewpies get you out,” explained O’Neill. The purpose of these creatures is to perform good deeds in a funny way. They were often seen battling injustice or promoting women's suffrage, and they always made the reader laugh.
Kewpie® first appeared as illustrations in the December issue of Woman’s Home Companion, and was an immediate success. “Kewpie Pages,” which consisted of entire pages of the drawings accompanied by a short story or prose, became regular features in popular women’s magazines. These cheerful cherubs were soon easily recognized and well-loved by many Americans, and their antics and adventures brought smiles to the faces of many.
As the drawings became more familiar, O'Neill created Kewpie Kutouts. These paper dolls had both a front and a back side, and were accompanied by short stories. O’Neill next created comic pages, which were printed in several newspapers. She also wrote books which included segments from former Kewpie pages, along with new materials.
Shortly thereafter, Rose began receiving letters from children asking for a Kewpie® they could hold. After numerous prototypes, the Kewpie® doll was born in 1913. These first dolls had straight posture with their arms at their sides. They were made from bisque or china and celluloid. As the Kewpies grew in popularity, so did the different kinds, sizes and materials of the dolls. Kewpie dolls were made in different positions, and came with a variety of outfits and accessories.
Today, Kewpies continue to capture the hearts of both young and young-at-heart collectors. Charisma Brands is proud to welcome a new generation to the magic of Kewpies, with the introduction of the newest residents of Kewpieville:
“Jump for Joy”
Dressed in her vintage red dotted dress and pinafore set, this adorable little outfit features short, puffed sleeves finished with narrow sleeve bands and a Peter Pan collar edged in soft white lace. Jumping rope is a unique part of our cultural heritage -- on the playground or in the streets, children combine dozens of games and hundreds of rhymes that make up modern jump rope lore.
“Paddleball Champ”
Little champ is a classic example of a 1950s boy-short set. With brightly embroidered red detailing and white buttons that hold his shorts in place, he is truly cute as a button. Paddleball has always been a favorite American children's pastime -- the paddleball was created after the invention of soft rubber, sparking a craze that lasted many decades.
“Alpha Betty”
The apple of her teacher’s eye is costumed in a 1940s red school plaid jumper with criss-crossing back straps. Her dress hem is embroidered with ABCs, and is finished with red piping. On her pocket is an apple button accent. She is eager for her first day of school! “School days, school days, dear old golden rule days”.
“Giddy Up”
Hi Ho Silver away! This playful rider is ready to gallop away on her stick pony in a pink striped seersucker romper, detailed with embroidered horses on the front smocking. Pink canvas high tops complete her “giddy up” outfit.
“Pumpkin Patch”
All dressed up for trick-or-treating as a Pumpkin, the costuming depicts the spirit of Halloween. With a green leaf felt hat and a velour embroidered pumpkin suit, it is all treats and no tricks!
“Kewpie® Karoler”
Lighting the way for Christmas caroling is our Victorian era inspired Kewpie®. Her dress is striped taffeta and lace with a red velveteen overdress and hat. Holly and berries are embroidered on the overdress, and faux pearls add the finishing touches to the coat and boots.
About Charisma Brands, LLC
Kewpie® is produced under license by Charisma Brands, LLC, a Lake Forest, California-based designer, developer, and marketer of award-winning collectible, gift, jewelry, and specialty products. The Company’s branded product lines include the Marie Osmond collection of high quality collectible and toy dolls, and the Kewpie collectible doll line. The Company’s products can be found on QVC, the television shopping channel, specialty retail stores throughout the United States, and various catalog merchants.