Mid-Century Modern Chinoiserie Woman Kneeling on Book Bookends
Unbranded (Likely Bradley, Lipper & Mann, or Lefton Japan) · Art & Decor > Bookends
Era / Decade
1950s - Early 1960s (Mid-Century Modern)
Material
Glazed ceramic/ceramic pottery with gold gilt cold-paint accents
Condition
Very Good. No visible cracks or major chips; some possible light pilling to the gold cold-paint and expected shelf wear on the bottom base.
Demand Level
Moderate to Strong. MCM decor remains a staple for collectors, particularly unique figural bookends.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $45.00 | Mid: $75.00 | High: $115.00 (As a complete pair)
Estimated Retail Value
$15.00 - $25.00 (Original inflation-adjusted retail)
Comparable Sales
Similar Japanese-imported figural bookends from the 1950s typically sell between $65 and $130 on eBay and Etsy depending on the uniqueness of the pose and condition of the gold paint.
Description
A stunning pair of vintage MCM ceramic bookends featuring a kneeling Asian woman in a black cheongsam-style dress with gold gilt accents. The figure is posed atop a stack of oversized books. These exemplify the 1950s fascination with Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency aesthetics. Highly stylized facial features and high-gloss black glaze make these a standout decorative piece.
Key Features
High-gloss black glaze, gold gilt detailing, Mid-Century Modern appeal, highly collectible Chinoiserie theme, dual-purpose decor and functionality.
Authenticity Indicators
Typical unglazed red-clay or white-clay foot rings; likely had a 'Made in Japan' paper foil sticker originally. High confidence in era based on glaze style and subject matter.
Flaws to Note
Possible 'cold paint' loss on the gold sections (common for this era); check for tiny 'flea bite' chips on the sharp edges of the ceramic books and the woman's fingers.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage decor enthusiasts), eBay (widest reach for collectors), or high-end vintage booths/malls.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'MCM', 'Mid Century Modern', 'Chinoiserie', 'Hollywood Regency', and 'Black Gold Ceramic'. Ensure they are double-boxed for shipping as vintage ceramic is brittle. Photograph against a plain white background to make the black glaze pop.