Kewpie Doll Carnival Chalk Ware

Kewpie Doll

Rose O'Neil was a popular artist and an illustrator for several fashionable magazines. In 1905 she introduced the Kewpie Doll which was of her own creation. The results were somewhat spectacular in that her envisage became incredibly popular and soon thereafter there were Kewpie Dolls of all kinds everywhere imaginable. One version was a chalk ware Kewpie Doll which was an immediate success and soon became the most popular and sought after carnival prize.

The Kewpie Doll was created by Rose O'Neil
And early in 1905 it became a pretty big deal
Artist O'Neil created this new kind of being
For many a popular New York magazine

She was "Rose of Washington Square"
A popular song of the period fair
Rose and her Kewpies in the 20s and 30s
Were as popular as Disney in the 70s

Chalk ware is hand painted plaster of Paris
With water or oil, and often quite careless
Called "poor man's Staffordshire" pieces
And several found were 18th & 19th species

From 1910 to 1945 Kewpies were prizes,
From carnivals and offered in many sizes
Kewpies, carnival prizes and chalk ware
Are collectible but most are not very rare

Our Kewpie Doll is a classical carnival prize. She is in very good condition for her age with little paint loss and no damaging nicks or chips. She is rather tall at 12 inches and much larger than most usually found today. Prices for good pieces of this size usually run from $60 to $150 depending on condition.

$110.00