Vintage Mid-Century Asian Figures Kneeling Bookends Set
Likely Bradley Exclusives, Lefton, or Napco (Unbranded) · Art & Decor > Bookends
Era / Decade
1950s (Mid-Century Modern)
Material
Hand-painted ceramic/porcelain with high-gloss glaze and gold gilt accents.
Condition
Good. There is noticeable wear to the gold gilt lettering/accents and some minor paint loss on the flesh-toned areas (faces and hands). No major chips or cracks are visible in the photo.
Demand Level
Moderate to Niche. Very popular among MCM enthusiasts and collectors of vintage Asian-inspired decor.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$45.00 - $85.00
Estimated Retail Value
$15.00 - $25.00 (original 1950s equivalent value adjusted)
Comparable Sales
Similar unbranded MCM Asian figure bookends in black/gold typically sell for $50-$75 on eBay. Signed Bradley or Lefton versions can exceed $100.
Description
Stunning pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern ceramic bookends featuring a man and woman in traditional Asian attire. The figures are finished in a striking high-gloss black glaze with hand-painted gold gilt character details and flesh-toned matte finishes on the faces and hands. They are depicted in a kneeling prayer or greeting pose, typical of the Chinoiserie-style decor popular in the 1950s. Approximately 7-8 inches tall.
Key Features
Classic Mid-Century Modern aesthetic; highly sought-after black and gold color palette; complete matching pair; Chinoiserie kitsch appeal; unique matte-on-gloss texture contrast.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic MCM construction; unglazed foot rings; typical weight for ceramic of that era. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant rubbing and fading to the gold gilt motifs; minor scuffing on the female figure's hair; possible cold-paint wear on skin surfaces.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for MCM decor), eBay (broad collector reach), or Chairish (if pristine). Local vintage booths are also excellent.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Mid Century Modern', 'MCM', 'Chinoiserie', 'Kitsch', and 'Black Gold Ceramic'. Highlight the lack of chips or cracks. Ship with excessive bubble wrap as 1950s ceramic is brittle and prone to shattering during transit.