387. Made in Occupied Japan: ASIAN COUPLE FIGURINES

Made in Occupied Japan collectibles are harder to find these days, moreso a decorative pair as intact as this. "Occupied Japan" was printed on ceramics, pottery, porcelain, toys, and other goods made during the American occupation of Japan after World War II, from 1947 to 1952. You can say that today, they were produced in limited number which account for their collectability.

These 4.5. inch porcelain pair with "occupied Japan mark depict an Oriental Couple, but I can't pinpoint which country. Most likely, the costumes are highly-stylized versions of ancient Japanese costumes. Or they could be also composites of Korean and Japanese clothes. In any case, the figurines have very nice colorings, with paint as vibrant as the day they were made. I guess collecting more Occupied Japan pieces will keep me, well, occupied for this year! I love these kinds of vintage kitsch!!

378. MOPTOP COMBO PLAYER FIGURINES

Now here's a pair of Made in Japan figurines that hark back to the age of the Beatles, Shindig, Dave Clark 5, American Bandstand, the Monkees, and Hullabaloo. The two china figures represent combo players of the 60s era, and may have once graced a teenage girl's room, as she listened to her vinyl records playing the songs of Paul, John, Ringo and George on her plastic turntable. Alas,only two figurines remain--one singing the melody while beating a conga, the other, strumming away on his red electric guitar. The drummer and,possibly, the bass player are missing from the set, but that doe not detract from kischy cuteness of these two boy band members, who even have their original nylon moptop hair! And note the green bases where they stand--complete with musical notes! You could almost hear them belting out.."She loves you yeah...yeah...yeah!".

360. A MENAGERIE OF MINI-DOLLS

A wonderful grouping of display figurines and European-made doll miniatures offered for sale by a dealer-collector. I was tempted to get a few, but promised to come back to wipe them all. I was particularly drawn to the little jointed dolls made of bisque, with mohair wigs that could be posed and play with, despite the delicacy of the material. Some were imperfect, with broken limbs, all nicely painted.

Dolls of these kinds are rare in the Philippines because they were rather expensive, way beyond ordinary means of families. The figurines are also of the same material, depicting family scenes and character figures like a fishing boy, grandpa on a chair and dancing ladies. Now, if only i could find a nice little cabinet to house hem all in. That's for another hunt!!

295. Toby or Not To Be: JESTER CHARACTER CUP

I couldn't help but stare back at  this character mug when I chanced upon it at a Makati thrift shop. Fairly small, with some crazing, it looked definitely old, reminiscent of the toby mugs of yore depicting a character in history. Technically, a toby jug depicts a whole person, while a character jug shows just the face, but these ceramic creations share one thing in common--they are all highly collectible!

This example is unmarked--Royal Doulton currently makes the most desirable toby cups and jugs--but the finish of this face jug is superb, the colors vivid and appealing. So off  it went to my collection of kitschy ceramics, that includes dozens of lady head vases. I'll probably use this cup, so every time I drink my coffee, I can face-off with this cool, jester dude from the 50s!!

289. FLAPPER COUPLE CAKETOPPER

Now here's a cake topper couple in a non-traditional pose. Instead of the stiff, formal figure of a bride and groom standing in rigid attention, these newlyweds are in a dancing mode, the bride in a winsome flapper dress that harkens back to the '30s.  Made of celluloid, this 3.5 inch bridal topper may have been produced in Japan. Cake toppers have been known since the turn of the 20th century. The first toppers were actual mini-dolls dressed to look like the bride and groom. Since then, they have been made of porcelain, bisque, plaster, plastic and fabric. The 50s were the heyday of cake toppers, and there is a growing horde of topper hoarders who collect these as wedding collectibles, mementos of a happy milestone in peoples' lives. To them, we say Best Wishes!!

280. Pray, Keep Them!: KIDDIE SHELF SITTERS

Shelf sitters were favorite decorations of 1950s-60s homes, and matching figurines such as these adorned fireplace mantles, book shelves and ledges around the house. They were cheaply mass-produced in ceramic, plaster of paris and hard plastic such as this example, showing two kneeling kids in a prayerful pose.

Popular shelf sitters often show couples kissing--there were kissing angels, kissing Orientals, kissing jesters, kissing Senors and Senoritas. There are even some matching figures you can sit on a ledge with their legs dangling. Kooky, kitschy and great space fillers, these shelf sitters are becoming hot collectibles at prices everyone can afford. Find them in thrift shops, white elephant sales, garage sales or even in auction sites (though you will have to shell out a bit more!). And remember, do always buy them in pairs!!

234. WE THREE KINGS: Nativity Figures

Christmas is still a long way off, but I just have to show this trio of plastic royalties that dates back to the psychedelic 60s. I found these in the weekend Avondale Market in Auckland, NZ--which is basically a farmer's market with a sprinkling of open stalls selling vintage stuff. Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar may have been part of a Nativity set, typical of examples cheaply sold in the 50s and 60s. I couldn't find a manufacturer's mark, maybe these were made in Hong Kong. Holiday collectibles such as these have their own crazy collectors--and I guess I am one of them. Right now, this  merry plastic trio are gathered 'round my little plastic Christmas tree that is displayed year-round in my little house, ready to welcome visitors with their plastic gifts of myrrh, gold and frankincense.

223. A PAIR OF CARVED IGOROT BUSTS

I found this mid-century pair of carved Igorot (people of Northern Luzon, in the Philippines)  busts on ebay, of all places. They were being offered by a collector who had an amazing ethnic and tribal collection from the world over. One look and I knew these pieces were the works of a master carver.

The details are simply incredible---the features are very lifelike, capturing realistically the facial features of the hardy Igorot. The hair strands are carved very finely, individually and the proportions are perfect.

These heavy, hardwood busts are also replete with such accessoriess as big earrings, which were part of an Igorot's traditional get-up. The earring were carved separately and installed in the drooping ears of the figures. The Igorota sports strings of beads looped into her hair, while his male counterpart wears a wrap-around headgear.

Carvings such as these were very popular in the 1930s, sold primarily as souvenir items from the mountain highlands. The peak of woodcarving skills was in the 1950s, the decade in which these handsome pair were carved. They must have come from a premier shop in Manila, as these were commercially stamped with "Made in the Philippines".

These 13" busts retain their dark, rich patina indicating their age. They must have been lovingly polished and cared for thru the years, displayed in an American home, a reminder of a far-away trip in the cool northern mountains of tropical Philippines.  As one who lived and studied in Baguio, I was drawn to these busts, not just for the artistry they convey but also for the nostalgia they evoke of my memorable years up the mountains.

212. FROM A THAI STORE MANNEQUIN TO A DALAGANG FILIPINA

One of my most fascinating finds during my Bangkok years was this plaster cast mannikin figure of a Thai woman for some defunct department store in Thailand. This must have stood on a countertop, perhaps promoting the fashions of the day. I have seen similar countertop mannequin displays of U.S. make, but this one definitely is a local creation, with distinct Malay features that could very well pass for a Filipina beauty.

The figure stands 24 inches tall and stands on a base with a Thai script that I can't decipher. A Thai friend said it reads "THAI PHAIRAT", but is not sure if that's the name of a shop. There are holes on her heels that you can slip through metal pegs attached firmly to the base. The only individual parts are the arms, which were connected by inserting the metal strips at the shoulder of the figure. One metal strip has been lost, so when I got this, the lady figure was armless. Some fingers have also been chipped off her hands and there were broken or cracked parts of her arms and body that have been glued back securely.

Despite these imperfections, I found the Thai "puying" (lady) really pretty--her hair was styled in a neat bun, and her morena complexion only gave her lots of Pinay appeal. For years, I kept her, as is, with a wrap-around skirt and draped in lace on one shoulder, simulating a Thai costume. She used to wear a strand of pearls, which I have since misplaced.

One day, an idea just occurred to me to dress her up--not in chic clothes that she probably once wore--but in a Filipiniana costume. I visualized her in a checkered patadyong, with a kimona top, with a wrap-around tapiz and a panuelo.

I took my Thai mannikin to a restorer of religious figures who willingly took on my unusual project. He fashioned the kimona top using a scrap of embroidered fabric from an old Filipiniana dress. A suitable checkered cloth became her skirt and the panyo. A few weeks after, my Thai miss mutated into a Pinay dalagang bukid! Here are the amazing results of that transformation.

From Khun Porntip to Bb. Perla--what a refreshingly, beautiful change!

196. PRETTY AS A PICTURE Paper Doll

A generic paper doll from the 1950s that I found buried under tons of magazines in the scroungers' paradise that is Kamuning--"Pretty as a Picture" featured "lovely dolls, glamorous gowns". Printed on thin paper, this paper doll book was typical of the hundred and thousands of cheap playthings for little girls made in the 50s.

Dig these vintage fashions that reflected the styles and tastes of the time. I can't believe this paper doll book survived uncut considering how thin the paper is and how kitschy some of the colors are. But for 15 cents, I guess you can't complain--you still get transported somehow to a make-believe world of glitz and high-fashion glamor--on paper, that is.

188. Head's Up: BOY'S HEAD VASE

Male head vases are rarer than ladies', so when I saw this 50s boy's floral head vase at a Kamuning thrift shop, I just had to bring it home. I don't know, but there seems to be a certain holiday feel to this ceramic vase--maybe I could use it this coming Xmas. This, by the way, was made by Relpo, and is about 7 inches high. Relpo was a leading maker of quality decoratives in the 50s and it identified its works with a paper label--which remains intact on the bottom of this vase. This head vase is well-made and delicately painted. I looked up the value of this vase in a 1998 price guide, and was surprised that it already cost $65 in pristine condition 13 years ago. Of course, I got my flower boy for half of that. You should see how much head vases go for now--at www.antiqueheadvases.com, there's one priced at $1,600 and a couple more at $1200, $800! Crazy but true. Definitely, my head-hunting days aren't over!

184. Made in Occupied Japan: NUBIAN FIGURINES

After World War II, from 1945 to1952, items imported from Japan to the U.S. had to be marked with "Made in Occupied Japan" or "Occupied Japan", to denote America's conquest of the Oriental power. These 2 decorative figurines, depicting Nubian court musicians, are from that period in our war history, stamped with the Occupied Japan mark. These may have come from a set. Black figurines are very desirable for Occupied Japan collectors as only a few were made. Popular figurines often depicted Asian ethnic stereotypes, European court characters as well as animal figures.

162. CELEBRITY PLATES: Daisy & Blanca

Guess who's coming to dinner?
Why, Daisy Romualdez and Blanca Gomez, of course--sister actresses who made a name for themselves in the 1960s, when light musicals and romances were the order of the day in Philippine showbiz. Here, we find their images reproduced on two decorative plates, souvenirs of their stardom in those bang-shang-alang days.

The elder Daisy Romualdez (born Margarita Romualdez) was intriduced in 1956 in the film, "Vacacionista". is Filipino actress. She is sister of Blanca Gomez and are both of Spanish blood. She married former basketball star Manny Paner and has two daughters, singers Danita and Kristina Paner. Blanca Gomez was enlisted by Sampaguita Pictures to be part of the very popular Stars '66. After her star waned, she also married a basketball player of Crispa, Danny Pecache. After her separation, she married businessman Richard Yang and is now settled in San Bernardion, California with her 4 children. Daisy appears every now and then on telenovelas while Blanca is happily retired from showbiz.

98. Encore! BALLERINA FIGURINES

This set of delicate porcelain ballet figurines makes an encore as collectible kitsch! Made in Japan (stickers on two figures are intact), the 4 prima donnas are missing two more companions (alas! I saw them sold at the Greenhills fair!). Though cheaply made, the delicate figurines are highly detailed, right down to their ruffled tutu's spangled with gold. What struck me too was the campy, emotive poses--certified drama queens on the dance stage! It still is possible to get individual figurines despite their fragile nature--and part of the thrill is completing a set. I just wonder if these ballerinas have their male counterpart in tights, now that should be interesting. Let's pas de deux!

88. WILD, WILD WEST Collectibles

Giddy-up horsey! Lasso 'em Cowboy Collectibles: BACK ROW: Bat Masterson TV Whitman Book (1962), The Rebel TV Whitman book (1967), Annie Oakley Movie Coloring Book (1947), Davy Crockett Coloring Book (1955), Gunsmoke Coloring Book (1957), Roy Rogers premium plastic mug (1950s), Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox with decal and thermos (1953), Indian bisque figurine (ca. 1950s).

43. AFRIKANA FIGURINES

Found these '50s figurines representing three African maidens a-dancing--complete with grass skirts-- in a local thrift shop. Ethnic types that included Indians, Asians and Africans, were favorite models for cheap figural decoratives from the 1940s-60s. This trio must have been kept in a glass cabinet; they are perfectly preserved after all these years. Could they have been the inspiration for The Supremes?

29. 'TIPOS DEL PAIS'

When visitors from the West came to visit the Philippines, they found the everyday Pinoy so interesting--from his features to his clothing and the props he carried to make a living. So much so that figurines of "Filipino types" -- the neighborhood vendor, the farmer, the milk peddler, the fisherman -- were produced to satisfy Pinoy-struck, souvenir-hunting Western tourists. I. Beck's at Escolta, the leading department store founded by Jewsih businessman Isaac Beck, made sure it carried stocks of these figurines. Here, you have two charming examples from the shop (the bases are marked "I. Beck's") , from the early 1930s. The pair of 8-inch Filipina types (a water bearer, a 'kakanin' vendor) were molded from escayola or plaster of Paris, a more contemporary material--early tipos del pais figures were carved from wood. Great ebay finds, but I had to pay a little more than a hundred dollars for the two figurines that are quite difficult to find in the country (Remember, these were made for the tourist market.) . The ebay seller wanted to throw in a 3rd slightly damaged figurine for 20$ more, but I had to decline.The spirit was willing but my credit card power is weak.

28. DECO NUDIE ASHTRAY

A kinky way to stub your cigarette ashes. Figure out what the maker of this ash tray was thinking! Or is the naked body a reminder of our mortality--"ashes to ashes, dust to dust..."? Whatever, the sleek pseudo-deco design of this vintage 50s ash tray makes this a kitschy collectible.

25. LET'S DO PAS DE DEUX!

Makati Cinema Square along Pasong Tamo has been my one and constant source of campy collectibles. These well-made plaster wall hangings in the shape of ballet dancers are perfect examples of high-end kitsch. As always, 1950s decoratives always came in pairs--for every prima ballerina, there is a matching danseur ( or primo ballerino?), sweet ain't it? A plain dull wall is sure to be enlivened and inspired by this masked couple's sinuous balletic poses. I am inspired myself! Shall we do don our tutu's and do our arabesques?

14. POODLE-LICIOUS!

One dog led to another, and before I knew it, I had a poodle pound. Quintessential '50s canine icon, the poodle is. The fluffy-eared, well-groomed, eyelash-batting pooch also materialized on handbags, vases, aprons, trays and gave its name to a midcentury fashion hit--the poodle skirt! But my faves are these kitschy figurines made in the 50s-60s, that always showed a trio of poodles chained together, in family sizes (..err, there is a wayward squirrel family in this picture, ignore, ignore). These figurines were speckled in gold, or trimmed with furs, so appropriate for these cutesy, campy canines!