1940's Japenese China Figurine Inquiry

by Paula
(Jacksonville, FL)

1940's Japenese China Figurine Inquiry . - Hi Peter, I have 2 figurines (porcelain or china...don't know which) of a gentleman and a lady each sitting on a white w/gold edging, 4-legged chair. Both chairs have ornate-topped, "cushioned" round backs in the victorian style.

He: seated w/legs crossed at ankles; playing 2-stringed instrument shaped like a mandolin; wearing a green 3/4 length long-sleeved jacket, white long-sleeved shirt w/gold-edged cuffs & gold-edged ascot; white 3/4 pants with gold stripes; white knee-high stockings and gold shoes. Blond hair in a queue w/black ribbon. His face is small, bisque-colored & rosy-complexioned. Facial features are finely detailed and exquisitely-painted.

She: long wavy blond hair; seated holding a fan; wearing a green formal gown with white under-petticoats. Her face is the same as his in color, details and paint.

Each figurine has a silver-on-black label (don't know if any markings underneath label). Label is round with a roundish-shaped crown in the middle, with "Wales" in cursive writing curved over the top; "Reg. US Pat. Off." printed underneath the crown; and "Made In Japan" printed along the curved, bottom edge of the label.

Mom had them since the 1940's and I think there were other similarly-themed figurines, but she has Alzheimer's and doesn't remember where they came from.

Any information would be much appreciated.

Paula
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These figures sound quite wonderful but it is difficult to say much about them even with such a detailed description.

There were several very good Japanese factories just after the war that made a lot of fine items for export.

It brings to mind the saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words' If you could send in a photograph of the figures and also (very important) a clear photo of the base showing any marks to identify the factory, it would make it much easier to find out more about them.

Best regards

Tony
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