Vintage celluloid Kewpie doll in green bunny suit, circa 1950s-1960s

Kewpie dolls were created by American artist Rose O'Neill in 1909 and became one of the most popular collectible dolls of the 20th century. Originally made in Germany from bisque porcelain, production shifted to Japan after World War I, where celluloid versions became widely manufactured throughout the mid-20th century. This particular example features the distinctive Kewpie characteristics—large side-glancing eyes, starfish hands, and a topknot—dressed in a molded green bunny suit, a popular variant from the 1950s-1960s Japanese production era. Kewpie dolls hold significant appeal for vintage toy collectors, doll enthusiasts, and those interested in early 20th-century popular culture memorabilia. The bunny-suited variants are particularly sought after for their whimsical charm and nostalgic value, representing the golden age of celluloid toy manufacturing in Japan. Collectors prize these pieces for their historical significance as affordable toys that brought joy to children worldwide, and today they serve as charming decorative items that evoke mid-century childhood memories.