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Preliminary identification

Rose O'Neill 'Kewpie Farmer' with Art Nouveau Tree Trunk Vase, c.1912

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A rare German bisque 'action' Kewpie figurine featuring the iconic character in a wide-brimmed sun hat, standing beside an Art Nouveau tree-trunk vase. This specific variation depicts the Kewpie as a 'Butterfly Catcher,' holding a delicate wire and mesh net, a charming departure from the more common pitchfork-wielding farmer version.

Story

Created by Rose O'Neill in 1909, Kewpies were the first global merchandising phenomenon, predating Mickey Mouse. This 'Farmer' variant was part of a series of 'Kewpieville' citizens designed to teach kindness through play. The butterfly net is a particularly whimsical touch, suggesting the Kewpie is 'catching' hearts rather than insects.

Maker / Origin

Rose O'Neill was a self-taught bohemian artist and the highest-paid female illustrator in the world. She used her Kewpie fortune to fund the women's suffrage movement and support struggling artists. While she designed them, the finest early versions were produced by master dollmakers in Germany, like J.D. Kestner, known as the 'King of Dollmakers.'

Condition & Value

The bisque appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips to the delicate hat rim or vase petals. The butterfly net shows appropriate age-related darkening and fragility, which actually helps verify its vintage. Some minor surface staining on the base is consistent with age and does not significantly detract from value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD