These geisha dolls (and one samurai) were part of a rather large collection of dolls left in a vacant house my son bought to restore and rent. He was told by neighbors that the collection was owned by a 95 year old gentleman who was stationed in Japan during and after WW2. He and his wife made several trips back to Japan and bought these back as souvenirs. The dolls were kept in a glass cabinet for many years. But when the old gentleman became sick, a relative wanted the cabinet but not the dolls, and just left the dolls out, some on a table, some on the floor. Most were in good shape, just a little dusty - a couple did not fare so well. My son wanted to just throw them away but they were so unique, so detailed and unusual I felt someone would love to have them. Fortunately the couple had labeled most of them so I could research and ID them. One was a geisha courtesan stepping out of a taxi or paladin(?), I think there is a story concerning that. Another was the Wisteria Maiden, and another was Yuki-onna, the Snow Maiden spirit, but she sadly is one that is in bad condition. I'm posting a photo of the entire collection - I have sold most of them locally for $20-$30. I had several out-of-town inquiries, but didn't want to risk damage by shipping them. I feel that they were worth much more but just wanted someone to have them who would appreciate them. The ones I have left are individually pictured: the Maiko and her onesan or mentor; the Geisha playing the shamisen or lute; and the ones in bad shape in the last picture - Yuki-onna and one with long hair. I would appreciate anything you could tell me about the dolls. Thanks.
The Best From Playboy 1st Annual Edition of Playboy, Entertainment For Men - Edited by, Hugh M. Hefner, Editior & Publisher Playboy, Waldorf Publishing Company - Copyright 1954 by H.M.H. Publishing Company, Inc.
All pictures are in black and white except for about 13 or 14. 160 pages total
First paragraph written on the Introduction page by Hugh Hefner:
Playboy is one year old. The earliest issues are already becoming collector's items. And it is the contininuing request for these copies, now out of print, that has prompted us to put the best material from the first year into a permanent, har-cover volume.
Looking for information on this particular piece. Trying to determine it's cash value. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Can submit a picture of the rolltop if requested.
This lamp has another top part that I had to remove as it was too big for my house, also many of the crystal parts were removed for the same reason but I keep all of them and all parts are in perfect condition and were taken care of as part of the professional restoration we did a few years back (I keep receipts of this restoration, was very expensive). New wiring was installed too.
