Musical Mouse

Name: Musical Mouse
 
Type: Figurine
 
Year: Circa 1950s–1960s
 
Set: No
 
Mark: None - Unknown, but typical of post-WWII Japanese export ceramics
 
History: This figurine is a classic example of mid-20th century Japanese novelty ceramics. Featuring a wide-eyed, stylized mouse character clutching a bright yellow double bass, the figure draws from the comic animation aesthetic popular in the 1950s–60s. The bold hand-painted details, exaggerated expressions, and whimsical subject matter are all indicative of mass-produced export wares from postwar Japan. These novelty animal musician figurines were commonly sold as souvenirs or decorative knick-knacks and have since become collectible for their nostalgic and kitschy charm.
 
 
The hollow base with no mark, the thick high-gloss glaze, and the painting style are all consistent with Japanese ceramics made for Western markets under the "Occupied Japan" or early post-occupation period. Despite lacking a mark, collectors often identify such figures through their form and glaze characteristics.
 
Flaws: None