 |
| Image: The Ferris File |
Seen in FBDO
The chalkware Kewpie bank is seen a few times in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off including the image below taken at 01:38:34 as Mr. and Mrs. Bueller exit Ferris’s bedroom. The bank is located just to the right of center on top of his dresser.
 |
| Image: Paramount Pictures |
Description
The Kewpie was created by Rose O'Neill and was originally introduced in 1909 through illustrations in a women's magazine. These cherubic characters quickly gained popularity and turned into a global sensation. Beyond their basic cuteness and charm, the Kewpies often carried social messages which reflected O’Neill’s progressive views.
Kewpies evolved into a thriving industry featuring paper dolls, porcelain dolls and many other items that flooded the market throughout the 20th century.
 |
| Image: The Ferris File |
The bank seen in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was produced in 1966 by Chicago’s A.N. Brooks Corporation. It stands 11.5” tall and measures approximately 5”x5” at its base. Etched on the bottom of the bank’s back side are production information and instructions to pull the cork from the underside to remove any money inside.
 |
| Image: The Ferris File |
Notes
- Another bank -- a ceramic piggy bank -- can also be found on the top of Ferris's dresser.
Find Your Own
- Check eBay for a Kewpie chalkware bank of your own!
Learn More
- The Prolific Illustrator Behind Kewpies Used Her Cartoons for Women’s Rights: Rose O’Neill started a fad and became a leader of a movement (Smithsonian article).
- Visit the Original Kewpie Co. website.
- Visit Amazon for a variety of Kewpie resources.