Friday, December 17, 2010

Kewpie Postcards Original and Reproduction Postcards Postcard Friendship Friday

Rosie O'Neill (1874-1944) was born in Pennsylvania and created and is most famous for her "Kewpie" cards. Her first works were published by the Gibson Art Company in 1915 but are scarce to find as the American Passion for actually collecting picture postcards was being replaced by the folded greeting card with an envelope to hide hidden messages. 


Many of O'neill's "Kewpie" drawings are in private collections and in 1976 were published by the Drays of Savannah Missouri. and The Ashers of Aurora, Missouri. These postcards were reproduced from Rosie O'Neills drawings. I just acquired about 80 of these reproduction postcards and they are charming. I only have 2 of her original postcards. While researching her early postcards most are dressed and do not have wings. The postcards from the 1970's are taken from private collections of O'Neills draws of "Kewpies"and have wings.  The above Christmas postcard is from an original painting owned by School of the Ozarks Point Lookout MO, and published by the Drays in 1976.  Even though newer reproductions these postcards are still 34 years old.

The 2 original postcards do not have the publishers name, are not signed one just has the series number on it.

This is an origina "Kewpie"l Happy Birthday Rosie O'Neill postcard postmarked 1920.
Thanks to Beth for sponsoring Postcard Friendship Friday.  Go to her blog to see more.

9 comments:

MrCachet said...

Great cards! And thanks for the history lesson as well.

Postcardy said...

I didn't realize they made so many Kewpie cards in the 1970s. Om a way they are originals because they don't reproduce earlier cards.

Are you sure the bottom card is by Rose O'Neill? It doesn't look like it to me.

Postcardy said...

I should proofread better. I meant to say "in a way."

dakotaboo said...

Greta cards, never seen any quite like these before. Happy PFF.

Snap said...

Love kewpie doll. The postcards are delightful and thanks for the info. I always learn something on Friday! :D :D

Christine H. said...

I love O'Neill's illustrations, including the Kewpie dolls.

nancy huggins said...

Kewpies were one of my Mothers favorites...she would have enjoyed looking at your cards :)
Very cute

Beth Niquette said...

These are so great--I love Kewpie dolls--I have one which is probably 100 years old. She's made of bisque and is probably one of the first. Sold out of the wagon of a traveling salesman. Or so I was told by the little old lady who gave the doll to me.

Sheila @ A Postcard a Day said...

The second card does look a very different style.

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