Antique Kewpie Dolls

Antique and vintage Kewpie dolls can be made of china, bisque, celluloid and hard plastic. Modern Kewpies can be made of soft vinyl as well. Marie Osmond owns a company that produces Kewpies, called Charisma. Original Kewpies were produced by German doll companies, including Kestner, but often had no mark to indicate the maker. At that same time the Japanese were producing 'knock-offs' of bisque and composition. The Japanese version is not officially licensed.

The price of antique or vintage Kewpies is holding strong. Of course the more unusual bisque dolls are strongest in price. The classic bisque Kewpie is not as widely sought after. Most of the early bisque dolls are not marked, or only marked 'O'Neill' on the bottom of the foot. They may have a red paper heart label. Occasionally they will be marked 'Made in Germany.'