Extremely Rare German Bisque Exhibition Piece Known as "Kewpie Mountain"

Live Auction

11 1/2" (29 cm.) h. x 11"w. A bisque foundation is sculpted and painted to depict a grass and vine-covered hillside with tree trunk and branches, upon which are playfully arranged a frolicking party of multiple Kewpies, permanently fired onto the foundation during the original factory production, and which include rarities such as Kewpie drummer, Kewpie with cornucopia of roses tumbling playfully onto the head of another Kewpie, Huggers variation with tophat, another pair with Civil War helmet, and Kewpie on a swing. A one-piece trio of seated Kewpies oversees the entire scene, others read books or play musical instruments, and one joyful couple stand face-to-face, arms clasped to each other as they gaze lovingly into each other's eyes. Doodledog stands guard, little Blunderboo Kewpies crawl along or climb trees to add joviality to the scene, as well as many others. Presented under glass dome on base. Condition: generally excellent, rifle tip has repair. Comments: Germany, circa 1915, from original designs by Rose O'Neill. The exhibition piece was cited in the 1983 research book, Kewpies and Other Works by Lois Holman who wrote "to my knowledge there were only two of these figurine statuary-type pieces in existence"; further research suggests there may have been six or seven, each of which features different Kewpie figures. The exhibition pieces were created, under special commission in the German porcelain firm, and were designed as promotional centerpieces by luxury shops. This present example was in the home of the original family owners, purveyors of a luxury jewelry store in southern Illinois, until its auction by Theriault's in 1988, and has remained in the private collection of Lillian Hamm since that time. Value Points: extremely rare and important exhibition work, a highlight of the signature work of the noted American artist, Rose O'Neill.