The PY Miyao Craze: Japan’s Best Novelty Ceramics in America

Vintage Anthropomorphic PY Miyao Japan Ceramics
Vintage Anthropomorphic PY Miyao Japan Ceramics

Hello, pottery enthusiasts and history buffs! Today, we’re diving into the company of PY Miyao Craze: Japan’s Best Novelty Ceramics in America, an iconic ceramics company that captured the hearts of Americans in the post-World War II era.

From whimsical figurines to elegant tableware, The Japanese manufacturer novelty ceramics have become highly sought-after collector’s items. We will explore the company’s history and its move into the US market. You will also see why these designs still matter today.

PY Napco Green Apple Planter
PY Napco Green Apple Planter

The Birth of PY Miyao Japan Pottery

Started in the early 20th century, the PY Miyao Japan pottery company has its roots in the Aichi Prefecture, home to many renowned Japanese pottery centers. Founder Miyao Yoshida named the company after himself. The initials PY stand for ‘Pottery Yoshida..” Miyao’s goal was to bring the artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics to a broader audience, both in Japan and abroad.

Continue reading

The Best Books and Guides for Vintage Mid-Century Collectors

Ready to become an antiques aficionado? Look no further than the experts’ books available on antiques, vintage Christmas, kitschy mid-century modern artifacts and collectibles! So start exploring this fascinating world filled with nostalgia and tradition today! Here are a few titles worth checking out:

Vintage Robots and Tin Toys Collector Book Resources

Space age tin toys and robots captured the imagination of a mid-century generation enthralled by space exploration. These highly collectible toys are now prized by vintage toy collectors and Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts alike. If you’re interested in collecting space age tin toys and just starting out, here are some really good books to get you started that full of photos and information.

1000 Tin Toys by Teruhisa Kitahara

Robots. Spaceships and other Tin Toys by Teruhisa Kitahara

Robots: Tin Toy Dreams by T. Kitahara

Vintage Ceramic Christmas Trees
Vintage Ceramic Christmas Trees

Download your digital copy of “Vintage Kitschy Christmas: A Merry Introduction to Vintage Ceramic Christmas Trees” today

*Please note that if you purchase from clicking on one of the links, I will get a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this blog going.

The Best Spring Dresses for Curvy Girls

Yasmina Greco Spring Easter Dress
Yasmina Greco

Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the annual quest for the perfect dress to celebrate the season of blossoms and sunshine. For curvy girls, finding a flattering, comfortable, and stylish spring dress can sometimes feel like a challenge. Fear not, lovely ladies, because this year I’ve discovered two fabulous dresses that not only embrace our gorgeous curves but also exude the charm of vintage glamour. Get ready to say hello to a season of confidence and grace with these must-have.

Dresses are one my favorite pieces of clothing! I love how feminine and easy to wear dresses are and with a few accessories you have a complete outfit. Wrap dresses are my ultimate fave however and if you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know how much I appreciate a wrap dress because they really are a curvy girls best friend (you can see past wrap dresses here, here, here, and here). 

Yasmina Greco Spring Easter Dress
Yasmina Greco Spring Easter Dress
Continue reading

Antique Society: A Treasure Trove in the Heart of Sebastopol!

Hey, time-travelers and history hunters! Grab your magnifying glasses and put on your safari hats, because we’re about to journey into an oasis of antiquity – the Antique Society in Sebastopol, CA! This isn’t your typical antique shop; it’s an eclectic community of over 125 dealers under one roof, each showcasing a diverse array of treasures waiting to be discovered.

From the moment you step inside this charming brick and mortar, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s as captivating as it is inviting. The air is perfumed with a mix of old wood, time-worn books, and a dash of nostalgia. The sound? Oh, just the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the delighted gasps of patrons unearthing a hidden gem.

Antique Society specializes in a wide range of categories. Fancy some Victorian-era furniture? They’ve got you covered. On the lookout for vintage jewelry? Look no further. Hunting for mid-century modern decor, retro kitchenware, Pyrex or classic vinyl records? Check, check, and check! The store is laid out in a maze of mini-stores, each dealer curating their space with their unique style and specialty. It’s like hopping between different decades with every turn.

Calling All Atomic Age Aficionados!


If you’re wild about mid-century kitsch, you must swing by this jaw-dropping case by dealers YG at Antique Society in Sebastopol! It’s a retro lover’s dream packed to the brim with Holt Howard collectibles, dreamy vintage cameras, vibrant Bakelite jewelry, and all the atomic flair your heart can handle.

Every shelf sparkles with nostalgia, whimsy, and rare finds. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering the charm of the 1950s-60s, this case is pure vintage magic—and an absolute must-visit!

Continue reading

Vintage Easter: Collectible Bunnies & The Best Decor Tips

Vintage Easter Fashion Pinup
Vintage Easter Fashion Pinup

Vintage Easter kitsch ceramics are a charming way to celebrate the holiday with nostalgic flair. From ceramic bunny planters to whimsical 1950s figurines, these delightful collectibles capture the playful spirit of Easter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this guide will help you discover, identify, and cherish vintage Easter treasures.

Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985
Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985
Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt Lover
Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt Lover
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers Easter
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers Easter
Vintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter
Vintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter

The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles

There’s something irresistible about vintage Easter decor. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy bring back memories of a simpler time. If you’re looking to infuse your Easter display with nostalgic charm, here are some must-have collectibles.

Continue reading

Vintage Christmas Noel Set: The Best 5 Tips for Collectors

Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year!! I have a great post for you all today; Vintage Christmas Noel Sets: The Ultimate 5 Tips for Collectors for collecting Noel figurines and candle holders from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, Holt-Howard.

That feeling of festivity and joy that comes with this time of year can be attributed to many things, but one of them surely has to be all the vintage kitschy decorations.

Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells - Japan
Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells – Japan

For me, one of my favorite things to do is pull out the vintage Chirstmas NOEL sets that I have been collecting for years and display these treasures as I get my home ready for Christmas.

If you love a touch of nostalgia with some Mid-Century flair then you’ll want to curl up with your cocoa and read our new blog post on Collecting Vintage Christmas: Noel Sets for tips on buying, selling, and searching for these treasures.

Yasmina Greco’s Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection Kitschy Mid-Mod Decorations

Today’s blog post features some of my vintage Noel collection that dates from the 1950s-1960s and features Noel candle holders, Noel bells, and Noel figurines.

When it comes to vintage Noel collectibles there are so many varieties and themes from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, and even Clowns, that there really is something for everyone and you can easily have a theme each year for your holiday decorating too!!

Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders

Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are cherished mid-century collectibles known for their whimsical charm and festive flair. These ceramic figurines, dressed in white robes adorned with gold star accents, hold red letters that spell out “NOEL” across the set with green tops to insert candles. Their expressive faces and intricate details embody the nostalgic appeal of 1950s and 1960s holiday décor.​

Highly sought after by collectors, these pieces can command prices ranging from $800 to $1,500+, depending on condition. When acquiring them, it’s important to inspect for any damage, particularly to delicate areas like necks, letters, halos, candleholders, and ensure the detailing remains intact and not chipped, cracked, or repaired. ​

This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle

WARNING!! Blog has a lot of photos.

One sure way to any collector’s heart is items that come with their original boxes. For me, the box can also be used as part of your vintage holiday decor as they usually have timeless graphics that add so much charm to your displays.

Since these vintage items are usually 70 yrs old, if you do find an original box it will probably have some wear and tear or even water damage from being stored in basements and attics and that is completely okay and in my opinion, adds that much more to the story and history of the item. 

Here are five of my very favorite Noel sets from my personal collection and I think they are just dynamite. Each set is so unique and has loads and loads of vintage Christmas charm. I actually have them up year-round in my cabinet and they always make me smile when I stop and admire them. 

1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
  1. Collector Alert: For Sale on Etsy – Vintage Christmas Extremely Rare NOEL Bell Set – World Creations by Grimco 1950s Japan MCM   This 4 Piece Noel bells set of boys and girls made by World Creations by Grimco Japan 1950s.

This set is hard to find and very delicate, made from very fine ceramic so there may be light hairline cracks if you do come across a set. The facial expressions on these kids are so darling. In today’s market expect to pay $275-$325.

2. Christmas Cowboy Santa Noel Candle Holders set by Menschik Goldman in the 1950s. Santa is wearing his western hat with green and red holiday flair, his red suit complete with holster and pistol and his body spells out NOEL.

This set is very rare, I have only come across it one time and in today’s market expect to pay $299-$350.

Continue reading