Featured Giant 24" Articulated Kewpie Doll - Not Clear How Vintage

I see this doll with slight variations for sale as "Vintage" from $175 asking down to $40 sold with crazy shipping, all MISSING wings. Oddly, very few people even mention that... He fits the type with really bad, way too low eyebrows.

This doll is 24 inches and has no marks whatsoever, but he does have green wings and is in fantastic shape. I'm assuming he's vintage, but... I need help!

When made?
Still made?
Manufacturer/Licensee?
What country? Hong Kong, I figure...



Then there's this guy in original plastic bag, with molded wings (I can't see them). Possibly sold at 5&10 cent stores or amusement park prizes?




There's a second kind of brand new giant articulated Kewpie made by Obitsu, capitalizing on the insane worldwide popularity of squeezable Kewpie Mayonnaise/Dressing.

Obitsu doll eyebrows are (appropriately) higher with no lips. I see them sold as vintage, even when they have foil stickers. Retail price is around $250 down on Amazon.



Any advice appreciated! Thanks for looking!

 

I have no answer but I like the Obitsu one the best for the high eyebrows, better eyelashes, thin smile, thinner thighs, turned in left leg, and flatter feet, just sayin' ... Joy.

 

Totally!

But, @Christmasjoy, you're the doll whisperer 'round here! Now what?

Lol

 

Actually I'd like to see Judy's take on it .. she is very well versed on the doll world ... JUDY ??? .... Joy.

 

@judy?

Which Judy? I'll tag her... Just typing her name won't work, joy!

 

Those prices are pretty crazy for newer Kewpies!

 

Hi Scout, Joy & Fig...........

I'm unsure of your interest Scout. Do you just like the doll?

If you are looking to buy, buy an original. I bet you could find one for the same price or cheaper.

The original is far nicer than any of these newer dolls you show.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kewpie

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-KE...274280?hash=item2160391468:g:F78AAOSwyJVdSRDw

 

hi, @judy!

I'm selling, so I need to date and grade this doll to write an accurate description.

I noticed buyers are bidding against each other for them, even for dolls without wings!!

I would assume that'd be a no starter for a collector. What's up with that??

I realize none of these are original Kewpies - I'm assuming mine is vintage, just because it's not Obitsu. For all I know, they're still being made, which is why I'm asking

 

Quite honestly, I don't know anything about these new repros.

The originals are so darn cute and the repros just look horribly ugly to me.

I can't imagine anyone wanting one at any price. Sorry to be so blunt in voicing my opinion.

Which one are you selling?

 

In reading your OP, I see you mention Kewpie mayo. I have never heard of it, so googled.

Is it as popular as the internet suggests?

I can now somewhat understand the new collectible? repro Kewpie.



Where/how will you be selling it? Internet? Yard sale? Craigslist?

If on ebay, start at the lowest you'd be happy with, and keep fingers and toes crossed for a much higher result.

In my opinion you will not be reaching a true doll collector, but rather an advertising collector.

Just out of curiosity, are these new dolls marked Kewpie Mayo anywhere?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kewpie
I gave mine to my granddaughter to play with ,and i don't know where it is at the moment . i'm learning about them also , and just read about them.

 

I agree with Joy that the Obitsu is the best replica.

 

What type did you give to your granddaughter? One of the new repros or one of the originals? I think it was Cameo that came out with the soft vinyl.....can't remember when...maybe the 50's but not positive.

Would that be the kind that you gave to her?

Also made in composition before vinyl.

 

i'm pretty sure it's a repro vinyl and worth what i paid lol i will know it if/when i see a real one . still looking

 

If she still plays with it, check the back of the neck to see if it's marked.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/684869...MIifOMm9Tu4wIVDSsMCh1mfgFhEAQYAiABEgLTlfD_BwE

 

I'm definitely old enough to know what an original looks like! Lol I totally agree with opinions on both versions. I'm only doing my homework!

I've seen them with foil tags between the wings.

Frankly, between people assuming these are all 2' or 24"tall and not including info on marks, I'm just not willing to go back and find one with! Larger Obitsu are 21.5" and 25", not 24" and they're easy to ID by lips, eyebrows etc.

I thought this new wave of Kewpie popularity might interest doll folks.

We must never underestimate the Japanese love of Kawaii (cuteness)!




Of course, these repros are not even close to OG Kewpies on the kawaii scale!

Could use a bath, but here's my Mom's kewpie.

 

Is your mother's hard plastic?

MIJ?



I know I'm going to look for Kewpie mayo on my supermarket shelves. I'm very curious about it.

I'm a Hellman's gal myself.

 

ya just a small cameo rubber one

 

I agree with everything Judy has said. I tried to answer the best I could, I have never collected newer dolls and was only able to state which one I liked best .. I really only have Antique dolls, bisque, wax, wood, china, paper-mache etc, I was so hoping for Judy to step in as I was trying to be kind .. Thanks Judy, you're a GEM, telling it like it is I do have knowledge in the old antique dolls though and some of the later compositions ... Joy.