Author Topic: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"  (Read 2387 times)

timtke7771

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Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« on: December 22, 2014, 06:17:26 am »
I came across three bisque dolls recently, two with small dresses, one without.  I can't really tell what is on the back of the two, but on the third, it clearly says Made in Japan, then under that looks like a date (looks like 1945, but the 9 is tough to see, and could be read as a 7).  I know they weren't made back in 1745 (duh:-) but 1945 could be a possibility.  Under the numbers is a round circle with a Kanji inside.  Each doll has the same Kanji, don't know what it is exactly.  It looks like a stunted 'h' (found website that says it is "Power").  They have strings attaching their arms to the bodies, painted on faces and hair bands, and have been used (read slightly dirty).  The two dresses 'look' original, as they are still sewn with straps that go over their shoulders. I'll post pictures as soon as I can, but does anyone have a guess as to the maker, and a rough guess on the price?  They'll go on auction soon, as I have no need to keep them.  thanks in advance!!

timtke7771

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2014, 06:31:57 am »
Here are some photos of the dolls

timtke7771

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2014, 06:32:39 am »
And here is a close-up of one

timtke7771

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2014, 06:33:20 am »
And the back with the markings

mart

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2014, 09:54:37 am »
How big are they ??

timtke7771

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2014, 09:56:36 am »
They are 3 1/2 inches tall.

talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2014, 04:51:19 pm »
A set of these dolls sold on Etsy for $90.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/175539015/reserved-for-doris?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share
They are listed by the seller as Frozen Charlottes, but I don't believe that's the correct name. Frozen Charlottes were earlier dolls and they look different, usually they do not have articulated arms, although there are Half Frozen Charlottes, they look different than this. I've heard of dolls like these referred to as "penny dolls" inexpensive dolls that were party gifts and such. There were tons made and they are pretty easy to find and collect. Nice that yours were dated!
Antiqueaholic in recovery

sugarcube5419

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Re: Bisque Japanese "Kewpie" Dolls marked "Made in Japan 1945"
« Reply #7 on: December 24, 2014, 07:33:03 am »
great info tales