Category Archives: Collections

Collecting Mid-Century Modern, Kitsch, and Vintage treasures from the 1950s-1960s.

Holt-Howard Jeeves Pixieware: Rare Mid-Century Barware

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Holt Howard Jeeves Collection
Holt Howard Jeeves Collection

If ever there were a butler who could keep the martinis flowing and the party sparkling, it was Holt-Howard’s Jeeves. With his sly grin, dapper bowtie, and impeccable manners, Jeeves wasn’t just a figment of 1960s mid-century cocktail-hour whimsy—he was immortalized in ceramic as one of Holt-Howard’s most charming characters.

Today, Jeeves is a prized collectible from the Pixieware family, and he embodies everything fabulous about the mid-century era: playful design, clever functionality, and a whole lot of personality.

A Brief History of Jeeves

Holt-Howard, the company behind so many kitschy treasures (think starry-eyed Santas, winking pixies, and pixieware condiment jars), introduced Jeeves in the early 1960s as part of their Pixieware barware line. Unlike condiment jars labeled “Mustard” or “Relish,” Jeeves was made for cocktail service.

The name “Jeeves” nods to the archetypal English butler—loyal, witty, and just a little mischievous. Holt-Howard brought that butler to life with an elongated ceramic head that doubled as a lid, lowered eyes that hinted at secrets, and his trademark phrase: “If you please.”

The Jeeves Collection

The Jeeves set isn’t just a single jar—it’s a whole ensemble ready to host your cocktail soirée:

1. Pixieware Condiment Jars

  • “Cherries if you please” – For sweet maraschinos, perfect for Manhattans or Shirley Temples.
  • “Olives if you please” – For those green cocktail olives that no martini is complete without.
  • “Onions if you please” – For crisp little cocktail onions, a Gibson’s best friend.
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Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears: A Collector’s Guide

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Discover the rare and whimsical world of Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears—adorable 1950s collectibles that include salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, pitchers, and more. Grab a hot cocoa, cuddle up in your coziest cardigan, and get ready to tumble down a frosty vintage rabbit hole! Today, I’m sharing one of the cutest, and rarest mid-century marvels ever to grace the kitchen scene, the elusive Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bear series.

Now if you’ve been collecting for a while, you already know Holt-Howard was the king of kitschy-cute, with starry-eyed Santas, Pixieware jars galore. But in 1958, Holt-Howard briefly tiptoed into Arctic territory, releasing a charming little line of polar bear-themed kitchen accessories that are now so rare, some collectors don’t even know they exist!

Let’s break the (thin) ice on these chilly cuties, and I’ll share the scoop on what they are, why they’re special, and what to look for if you’re lucky enough to spot one out in the vintage wild.

What Are the Kitchen Cubs?

The Kitchen Cubs were part of Holt-Howard’s last known animal-themed kitchen series, and rumor has it they were created to celebrate the buzz around Alaska becoming a U.S. state in 1959. Imagine: ceramic polar bears perched on icy icebergs, ready to serve up your sugar, butter, and salt with a wink and a scarf.

These frosty little treasures were as whimsical as they were functional—full of mid-century charm and clever design. But here’s the twist: the Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears were part of a limited test production, meaning many never made it beyond the prototype or salesman sample stage. I

t’s believed there are just 10 unique pieces in the series—or 14 if you count the pairs. The ones that did make it into the world? They’re about as rare as a sunny day at the North Pole—and twice as delightful to discover!

Meet the Cubs: Pieces in the Series

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Inside the Cabinets of Kitsch Queens!

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Where bluebirds gossip, flowers blush, and vegetables smile back.

There’s something magical that happens when you open the glass doors of a true kitsch queen’s cabinet. It’s not just a display—it’s a stage where bluebirds flirt, flower-faced cuties pose, and wide-eyed corn cuties are ready for their close-up.

Lately, “shelfies” (yes, selfies for your shelves) have become the must-see snapshots across vintage Instagram, and for good reason. These curated displays of mid-century Japan ceramics—especially the anthropomorphic kind—are joyful, whimsical, and pure serotonin in ceramic form.

Vintage Japan Bluebirds
Vintage Japan Bluebirds

🩵 🐦Lefton Bluebirds lead the charge, their sweet sky-colored wings and bashful smiles turning spice racks into scenes from a 1950s kitchen fairytale. Norcrest and Topline Imports also manufactured bluebirds in Japan in the 1950s along with Lefton. Whether perched on planters or peeking from sugar bowls, they bring the chirpiest charm.

Vintage Topline Lefton Bluebird Collection
Vintage Topline Lefton Bluebird Collection
PY Miyao Anthropomorphic Flower Wall Plaques Wall Pockets
PY Anthropomorphic Flower Wall Plaques Wall Pockets

🌸 Flower-faced cuties—like daffodil darlings, pansy pixies, and rosy-cheeked blooms—are in full bloom inside collectors’ cabinets. These pastel-hued petals with personality add the perfect pop of charm to spring and summer shelfies. Made by PY Miyao in 1950s Japan, these whimsical wall plaques and pockets are prime examples of anthropomorphic ceramics—where even flowers have faces (and fabulous attitudes).

Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Flower Planters and Wall PLaques Japan 1950s
Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Flower Planters and Wall PLaques Japan 1950s
PY Corn Anthropomorphic
PY Corn Anthropomorphic

🌽 And let’s not forget the anthropomorphic produce: corn with eyelashes, cabbage with sass, and all have those big eyes and long eyelashes. These pieces, mostly by PY and Napco, are little works of adorably wonderful ceramics from the 1950s that turn kitchens into retro dreamlands.

Py Miyao Cabbage Cuties
Py Miyao Cabbage Cuties

Peek inside vintage kitsch cabinets featuring Lefton bluebirds, flower-face cuties, and PY anthropomorphic ceramics in the ultimate “shelfie” showcase. These aren’t just shelves—they’re retro wonderlands where bluebirds gossip, blushing blossoms pose, and vegetables grin like they’re starring in a mid-century sitcom. If you’re into whimsical nostalgia, cabinet displays are where the magic lives (and winks right back at you). You can see more pictures and read about these amazing collections right here on the blog—and if you’re now itching to get your hands on some of these kitsch cuties, you can visit my Etsy shop for fabulous finds!

Most of the photos featured are from my personal collection, with a few sourced from Pinterest to show the full charm of these collectible cuties.

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

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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!

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Norcrest Mermaids: Top Tips for Collectors

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Vintage Norcrest Mermaids
Vintage Norcrest Mermaids

The Story Behind the Mermaids

Dive into the enchanting world of Norcrest mermaids—tiny ceramic masterpieces that capture the whimsical beauty of the 1950s. With their exquisite craftsmanship, irresistible charm, and vintage allure, these collectibles stand out in the world of mermaid figurines. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering their magic, I’ll guide you through their rich history, value, and expert tips for curating your own collection. If you’ve ever wanted to start or expand your Norcrest mermaid collection, you’re in the right place—let’s explore the best tips for finding, preserving, and showcasing these stunning treasures!

Norcrest Mermaid Lipstick Holder

The history of Norcrest mermaids is just as fascinating as the figures themselves. It all began with Hide Naito, a Japanese immigrant who founded a gift shop in Portland, Oregon, way back in 1921. Over time, that little shop grew into a huge wholesale operation. After World War II, Hide and his son Sam made a bold move: they shifted their focus to “Made in Japan” gifts, and that’s when Norcrest China Company was born (in 1958).

Norcrest quickly became a hit, known for its high-quality ceramics. Their mermaids, with their iconic designs, were stars of the collection, gracing bathrooms and powder rooms across America. Alongside these charming mermaids, Norcrest’s whimsical bluebird series and head vases were also beloved. I love that Norcrest became a household name – there’s something so special about owning a piece of that nostalgic history.

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Aloha to Tiki Collectibles: A Fun and Whimsical Dive!

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Yasmina Greco Tiki Bar Pinup Girl
Yasmina Greco Tiki Bar Pinup Girl

Welcome, tiki enthusiasts and curious collectors! I’d like to take you on a colorful plunge into the enchanting world of vintage tiki collectibles. Whether you’re a seasoned tiki aficionado or just discovering the magic of these Polynesian-inspired treasures, this blog post is sure to make you want to don a Hawaiian shirt, mix a Mai Tai, and set sail on an island adventure from the comfort of your home.

What Do Tiki Mugs Represent?

It seems like every tiki collector I have encountered collects tiki mugs and I can see why!! Tiki mugs are more than just fancy drinkware. These ceramic beauties represent a slice of mid-century Bali Hai escapism and a nod to Polynesian mythology popular in the 1950s-1960s.

The original tiki mugs were designed to bring a piece of the exotic islands into everyday life, making every sip an adventure. Each mug is a mini work of art, often depicting gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures from Polynesian lore. Talk about drinking in history!

Fun Facts About Tiki

Tiki Mug Collection
Tiki Mug Collection

The Tiki Bar Boom: The tiki craze began in the 1930s when Donn Beach opened the first tiki bar, Don the Beachcomber, in Hollywood. It was an instant hit, offering an exotic escape with rum-based cocktails, tropical decor, and Polynesian cuisine. Oh, how I would have loved to visit and experience this location in its heyday!!

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