Interview with pop_pop.smile!!

 Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series

A monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...

    For the month of October, my blog interview is with an amazing collector of kitsch, vintage Americana, and author of "Colorful! American Junk Catalog", released back in 2006 by Tomoko Nakamura or  pop_pop.smile on Instagram! 

Tomoko Nakamura

Tomoko:  I was born in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, a town near the sea. I got married at the age of twenty five and have lived in Tokyo ever since. When I was young, my family was a little complicated, and my grandmother's second husband was American. The only grandfather I knew is my American grandfather! As a young child, I was fascinated by colorful American toys and sweets that were completely different from Japanese ones. My grandfather bought me many souvenirs every time he returned to America. My aunt was also working at the US military base in Yokosuka at the time, and our family always used tableware from Fire King and Pyrex. Also my grandmother collects Japanese antiques, and I think I inherited my collector's spirit from her! It's no wonder that I later opened my own store and started selling vintage American products.

Vintage Disney Shelf Display.

Q:  Encounter with vintage kitsch~

Tomoko:  I first encountered vintage kitsch over 30 years ago. It's history began with an old Disney doll that I encountered at a domestic vintage shop or antique event. I've loved Disney movies and music since I was little, but I never got around to collecting merchandise. I was fascinated by the slightly creepy face of Plane Crazy and Steamboat Willie, which was completely different from the big-eyed Mickey Mouse of today. However, the Disney dolls of ancient times had completely different faces than they do now, and before I knew it, I was completely absorbed in their charm. At the same time, I also collect old American tableware and kitchen goods. At that time, British and French antiques were popular in Japan.

Tomoko's Rushton Plush and Toy Collection.

Vintage Kitsch Ceramics and Brach's display Cabinet.

Q:  What is your relationship with your collection?

Tomoko:  My collection and I are inseparable. "Cute" is justice (LOL), it is the power to live, and it is indispensable. The bond between us will never be severed and until someday when we become stars in the sky. 

When it comes to American vintage, there is a strong image of masculine things like American cars and Coca-Cola, and there were very few stores that carried cute American junk. Our store was very new at the time, so right after we opened, we were interviewed by many magazines about miscellaneous goods and interior design, and thanks to that, we quickly became famous. It only started to happen much later. I called it, "Lovely Junk." I secretly think that this is the spark that started the boom in Japan (Customers also have expressed this).

Q:  Vintage cute and kitschy aesthetic~

Ever since I was a child, I have never been attracted to things that are just beautiful. The important thing is to be cute and have a charm that makes you laugh. I have always loved American tableware (Fire King), and on holidays, my husband and I would go to vintage shops and antique events in Japan. Meanwhile, I started to pay attention to vintage dolls and toys. I think the first doll I got was either an old stuffed Pluto or a wooden Pinocchio. From then on, there was no stopping it. My husband and I loved vintage so much that we later opened a store. 

When I see the rooms of overseas collectors on Instagram, I don't think my collection is that big of a deal. But my friends are always surprised. I was also attracted to dolls with slightly unique faces. American toys are unique, and many have bold designs that would never be commercialized in Japan, which was interesting. I also liked the fact that they put a face on everything (I love anthropomorphic things). Even if I want to get something, I rarely search for it desperately. This is because I believe that if we have a relationship, we will naturally meet each other. 

Variety of Rushton, Roly Poly dolls N Ceramics.

 

Q:  Reactions from family and friends~

Tomoko:  My husband and I used to run a vintage shop together, so he understands. He discovered Rushton and Sun Rubber Toys even before they became popular in Japan and started buying them all by himself. I respect you (LOL). My husband loves natural beauty, and has been buying ceramics by Lefton and rubber face dolls by Rushton since the time when most people didn't know about their existence. Since my son was born and raised in the house, he has grown up to be a great collector (Star Wars). He understands what I like better than anyone else, so he always gives me breathtaking gifts!

Most of my close friends aren't interested in vintage or kitsch, so they can't understand why someone would want a dirty doll (LOL). My partner was very understanding and enjoyed collecting as well. On holidays, the two of us went to vintage shops, antique festivals, flea markets, etc., but domestic content was no longer enough for us, so we started going to America. So we decided to open our own shop, and so we opened an antique shop in Tokyo.

Tomoko's gift from her son's first paycheck.

Q:  Favorite Item~

Tomoko:  It's hard to choose just one favorite item. However, the first thing that came to my mind was the Showa retro tin rabbit that I remember my son gave to me as a gift with his first salary.

Q:  Do you run a store?

Tomoko:  I ran a vintage shop in Tokyo for about 12 years starting back in 1997. This store mainly sold American kitchen goods and toys. At the time, there were almost no similar stores, so it became a hot topic and was loved by many customers. Many people lined up early in the morning for events at Shibuya Parco, and it was a wonderful memory that I will never forget. (Currently closed). Even when I was running my own shop, I was happiest when I could make a customer happy with such a special encounter. 

I collected things that I think are good without being particular about them, just based on my sensibilities, so the dolls in my shop come from a variety of ages and countries. Even if it's not vintage, if I like it, I'll buy it. It's exciting to think that it will eventually become vintage and be cherished by new people. 

Tomoko and her Giant Rushton "Stinky" Skunk Plush.

 

Q:  The most unusual item I've ever come across~

Tomoko:  It's hard to choose one too. It may not be that rare, but what about the extra large size of my Rushton skunk? I often see small ones, but I've never seen anything this size in Japan other than the ones at my house. 

Q:  If you could get it for free~

Tomoko:  A Rushton Octopus! Many of other overseas collectors have them, but none have come to our house yet (I'm the type of person who doesn't search desperately for something even if I want it, so I value spontaneous encounters).

Vtg Squeak and Little Sophisticate Doll.

 

Q:  The popularity of vintage kitsch has increased in recent years.

Tomoko:  There has been a retro boom in Japan for the past few years. Showa retro dolls and toys are popular items among overseas collectors. When I was running the store, there were still not many people using the Internet (which is why the store was flooded with customers from all over the country). With the development of social media, it has become easier to find vintage items, and as more discerning people seek out rare items, I think kitschy items will also catch their eye. 

Young people probably don't know about that era, but for some reason they feel nostalgic about it (as I once did). There is a lot of competition for popular items because everyone wants them, but I really liked it when people noticed the unique child I had chosen and happily took it home.

Lefton ceramics, cookie jar, and gatcha toys.

Q:  About your past experience~

Tomoko:  I am currently retired and living a leisurely life, but I am glad that I was able to work to introduce Rushton and Fire King at a time when their names were not yet well known, and that after the store closed, I was able to work related to miscellaneous goods in Japan. I feel very blessed.

Although they are not vintage, "gacha gacha" (capsule toys) are currently very poplar in Japan, and I collect them as well. Japanese people love miniature things, and women especially love small and cute things no matter how old they are. Japanese miniature toys are of high quality, and I think they are popular with people overseas as well. I have been interested in these items for decades and have been collecting them, but I regret letting go of many of them because they were new to me. 

These items seem to be selling at high prices now. I love beautiful, cute things. I like girls with charming faces more then beautiful dolls. I love dolls and toys that make me laugh and feel happy every time I see their faces. I'm already 55 years old, but this aspect hasn't changed since I was a child. Even if I become a grandma in the future, this will never change.

Tomoko's display shelf of ceramics, toys, and wall decor.

 

Tomoko continued:  I have no plans to open my own store again in the future. Now, as a customer myself, I am very happy to be able to find what I like. When you're in business, you have to sell something even if you don't want to let it go. When I see something I want being sold right in front of my eyes, I feel both grateful and a little conflicted. My son, who started working this year, knows all about my tastes and often give me cute things as gifts. That's the happiest thing right now for me.

Tomoko Nakamura's Book, 2006.

 

It was a pleasure to interview Tomoko and have her share her story and collection. I must admit I am 'Star' struck to meet the first collector who began the Rushton Toy Company popularity in Japan! "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu" Tomoko. I hope one day soon to meet you in Japan!

Until next month's Interview with a Collector! Happy Hunting!

Thanks for reading! ~ ggsdolls

Interview with AlexDalton!

 Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series

    A monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...

    For the month of September, my blog interview is with a talented artist, doll customizer and collector, Alexander D. or alexdaltonart and amadalton on Instagram! His shop can be found on Etsy at alexdaltonart and or on Redbubble here.

    Alex is from UK and living in London, England. He is an Events Coordinator and sometimes Artist. Alex began his collecting journey from art college when he started gathering bits from charity shops. He also collects, customizes and creates dolls. As an artist the customization aspect is the big draw he says. He began by making replicas of pop culture characters but more recently he has been drawn to create his own characters. He mentioned that looking for vintage has become harder as most of the vintage shops have closed down since the lock down.

     What is it about the cute kitsch aesthetic and what distinguishes it from others eras?   Alex: "The big eyes and the bright colors are the obvious draw I think, especially when they are unique to the time period. The 60s/70s period really appeals to me and the quality was much higher back then."

    Tell me a bit about your collection, how it started, what your first items were and how it has evolved?

     "I collected the usually nerdy action figures as a teenager but my love for vintage came later. One of our life models at college had a 1963 Skipper doll and I was just obsessed with it. Around the same time I began picking up little vintage figures from charity shops."

    "These days I collect a mixture of modern and vintage but I'm always trying to sell as well as buy to keep things manageable."

     What has been the reaction of your family/friends/colleagues to your passion for your collection? "Mostly, I think people enjoy seeing our collection when they visit, the only difficulty is keeping small hands away from fragile items."

    Tell us about your favorite item and why it is so special? "That's a hard but one of our favorites is, "Pigs in Space" Miss Piggy doll because I was such a huge fan and she was a gift. Also a vintage Blythe doll I've wanted for so long."

    Tell us about the most unique or unusual items you have come across? "My rarest is probably a vintage redhead Blythe doll, she came from New York and was something I've wanted for years. Prices dropped for a while so I seized the moment!"

    If any item could just fall on your lap free of charge, what would that be and why? "Hmm, that's hard, it was always the Blythe doll as the holy grail. I'm always keeping an eye out for the Ideal Super Queen dolls from the 60s though."

    Have you noticed an increase in popularity/demand for vintage kitsch the last few years? If so, why do you think the aesthetic is appealing to most now?  "Since I've been collecting I've seen prices drop then get super high again which is interesting. There was a brief period where I saw some great items for low prices and now I wish I'd grab them. I did get my Blythe though while prices were low."

    Is there anything else about your experience that you would like to add?  "When you discover the vintage world you start off loving everything, and it's hard to know when to draw the line sometimes. What I've learned through is to really hone in on certain items, and also accept the tastes change from time to time and it's okay to let go. Collecting should always be fun and if it becomes a bit overwhelming, I try to have little culls."

Very good advice dear Alex and thank you so very much for sharing your love of vintage and your collection with us. Truly enjoyed reading your take on Kitsch. Well guys until our next Interview with ggsdolls, happy hunting!

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Interview with Suspiria

 Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series

    A monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...

    For the month of August, my blog interview is with the spirited and mod Rockabilly-est gal I know, Paula M. or Suspiria1313 on Instagram. She sells vintage in her shop, KookieComb on Etsy! 

     Paula was born in Ohio and grew up in Munroe Falls until Fall '85 when most of her family relocated to Arizona. Both sets of her grandparents decided to head to the desert to retire and her family as well. She said, "We followed them like a clan of gypsies." Paula works in the mortgage business and makes dreams come true! Now, onto the good stuff!

How did you encounter Kitsch and do you collect anything else? 

    I would have to say it all started in the mid to late 80's when I began thrifting as a teen. As a mod kid back then it was always a challenge to find clothing that fit my style. There was a certain look I strove for being a punk/mod/rockabilly teen and those kinda threads were not easily available like today. We had to either find that one cool alternative store off the beaten path or just get creative and alter or thrift our clothes. We'd hit the 2nd hand stores and garage sales in search of vintage, wacky and currently 'out of style' pieces. So, the search for vintage clothing led to finding vintage kitsch i.e. nutty artwork (velvet, wood and pebble paintings), mid century space age furniture, faux furry furniture, home accessories/decor and kooky figurines. In addition to vintage kitsch ceramics, I collect Halloween and horror memorabilia/movies/books/posters/toys, vinyl records, mid-century clothes/furniture/home decor and I also dabble in Rushton's.

What magical thing attracts you to these items and keeps you interested?

    My collection is basically my personality via inanimate objects from my deep connection and love of all animals (the majority of my Rushton's and ceramics are innocent big eyed critters) to my fascination of lore, witchcraft, paranormal, horror and Halloween (my mermaids, Halloween and horror collection) to my craze of B-Movie Girl Gang 60's style (my bouffant haired girls, teens on phones and/or playing records ceramics). Since these are all things I find joy in and am passionate about, it only makes sense to surround myself with these items. And when I dig something, I do tend to go a bit overboard.

 What is it about the cute kitsch aesthetic that distinguishes it from other novelties of the same era?

    A kitsch piece has HUGE personality. It's not just the two black dots for the eyes or one bland color made on an assembly line. It's the attention to details, those gigantic sweet peepers, exaggerated eyelashes, vibrant blue eye shadow and the plump rosy cheeks all hand painted making each cutie one of a kind. The overall facial expression giving the whole "baby schema" vibe off big time! Then top that off with a quirky hat, dingle balls, a sweater or even a wink and that piece shouts CUTE KITSCH GALORE.

 Tell me a bit about your collection, how it started, what your first items were and how it has evolved?

    My ceramic kitsch collection is mainly adorable animals. As I look back on what I collected as a child, teen and adult it seems the kitsch bug has always been hangin' around. In elementary school I collected cutesie animal figurines, pink spaghetti poodles, unicorns and stuffed animals. I also collected stickers, posters, teen magazines, records and ANYTHING Rick Springfield. As far as my first collection of ceramic figurines go, I still have a lot in storage and most are marked "Japan" amazingly enough. The majority of these tchotchkes are more bisque looking as opposed to the glossy figurine I collect today. Then, in my teens I continued collecting the same types of things, just my style changed (clothes and music). Now add punk flyers to the mix -- fun fact, my flyer collection was even in an art show once! Also, as mentioned earlier, this is when I started thrifting which was the kickoff of collecting a broader range of vintage. I was obsessed with vintage clothes, especially cocktail dresses and go-go boots from the 1960s era (still am). I would also buy vintage jewelry, knickknacks and home decor if my allowance allowed. ALL of those loves carried over into my adulthood when I finally could afford more vintage pieces on my own. I started buying vintage furniture and home accessories as long as it gave off a Barbarella meets The Jetson's meets Jungle Pin-up Girl energy.

    Finally, when EBay became a thang, I started recollecting the ceramics. I began with black Shafford cats, and vintage mermaids, anthropomorphic shaker/cookie jars and eyelash kitties. Then about 6 years ago the current Japan Kitsch mania hit when I found myself on google images. I started getting obsessed with finding certain rare pieces like Lefton Pink Poodle Chef. I ended up on Pinterest one day and saw those faces and was like WHAT ARE THESE CREATURES and the rest is history! That rabbit hole led to many others.... all sorts of other kitschy ceramic must haves. I was not on any social medium platforms at this time and still using only selling sites as well as garage sales, thrifting or antiquing to find items. Then one day a conversation on Etsy with a seller about Lefton Pink Poodles led me to a fellow collector on IG which basically changed EVERYTHING. Here they were, all those faces I drooled over. People actually had them, traded them, sold them and shared links with each other on where to find them. At this point my collection accelerated BIG time. I am still close friends with the collector who brought me onto IG. She even taught me how to post with hashtags, I was so old school and never thought I would be on social media and look at me now all hash taggin' and shit!! It was at this time I met some of my closest collector friends (including you!) and here we are, happily haunted by Japan Kitsch 24/7. My collection is truly now on steroids as compared to before joining IG. As far as what items I am always on the hunt for, now that would be the M. Kazami Fancy Land unicorns, Ado bouffant girls and faux furry beasties. I am attempting to practice more self-discipline these days and keep my purchases limited to the more rare items...AND just when I say I am satisfied with my collection a fellow collector will post a fabulous piece that immediately gets added to my ISO list. There is just a plethora of kitschy cuteness out in the world. I have to admit, part of the fun is the treasure hunt itself and then the thrill of finding the item and finally opening the box -- it just makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning!

 What has been the reaction of your family/friends/colleagues to your passion for cute kitsch?

    My mom loves it and was the one always buying me the majority of things I collected when I was younger. As I got older she would go antiquing with me and always knew my stile and what to point out. My 11 year old nephew thinks they are weird and creepy "like possessed dolls". He says, just watching him from behind glass. We have this debate a lot, I'm like HOW are these frightening to you? Look at those innocent faces!!! They are all basically baby animals, how in the world is that eerie?! On the flipside, his sister who is 6, love to point out who is all winking, who is all furry, who is all pink, who is all blue and who all has sweaters. She also is rather obsessed with my Halloween Horror office and constantly asks to go in there, her curious little hands stress me out quite a bit, however, she is very respectful and knows to be careful with certain things. As a further precaution, I use museum putty on most of my breakable if they are not locked up in my cabinets, so that helps. My oldest niece who is in her mid 20's collects vintage as well. She is a thriftaholic and is always bringing unique vintage items home especially from the 1970's. It's such a blast to shop all the different era's between the two of us!

    I tend to surround my self with the like-minded people. My bestie collects horror movies/toys, Halloween, gothic and baroque giving his home a 1960's Hammer film vibe. My husband has a small collection of oddities like glass eyeballs, antique poison bottles, pocket watches, skeleton keys, coins and arrowheads. He also collects records, books and art.

 Tell me about your favorite item and why is it so special?

    Pink Poodle Chef, she is the reason I have most of what is in my collection today. She was my first rare kitsch obsession and the reason I joined IG. The teapot of that series was also one of my 1st pieces of a harder to find more expensive item. That giddy feeling in actually finding her for sale, buying her and adding to my collection remains with me to this day. 

If no one had access to the internet how would you describe your shop and what you sell?

    It's like going through your favorite eccentric aunt's attic, just no dust or cobwebs. Although, I don't really consider myself as much of a seller but rather a collector just making room or extra cash for more cuties. My listings are rather lackadaisical in description and it takes me months to even list the item I decided to let go. With that being said, I do love meeting new friends in the fellow collectors that buy from me.

 What is the most unique item you have come across?

    I know this sounds like a setup, however, it HAS to be the red Fancy Land unicorn bank I JUST adopted from your shop. She is unlike all my other unicorns in that she looks like a bell since she has no legs. Also the purple Rushton cow Daisy with those udders! I purposely have her udders in full view off the top of one of my display cabinets. She makes me smile when I walk by and look up at her every day. I mean, talk about attention to detail on vintage kitsch item --- actual cow boobs on a plushie toy meant for kids back in the day, I love it.

 If any item could just land in your lap for free what would that be?

    Oooh, there are so many on my brain, however, IF I had to pick just one, it would have to be the Ado Mizumori mod bouffant girl phone planter! I have been obsessed with collecting this series lately and that planter with her flirting on the phone is FAB-U-Lous!!! Luckily, I do have some kitschy fairy godmothers lookin' out for me (hint, hint). Hopefully I can add her to my collection one day soon!

Have you noticed an uptick in popularity for the cute kitsch aesthetic, why do you think this is so?

    Yes, for sure. We now see vintage kitsch in art, music, movies and TV shows. Also, all the replicas being produced---even all the retro Christmas ornaments made to look like vintage pieces we collect or just remind us of family heirlooms from back in the day. The internet has boosted art and nostalgia to a wider audience. The internet is a part of most of people's daily lives in one way or another and is consistently adding more social media platforms for people to connect, share, discover, reminisce and buy or sell. we can also find items we didn't even know existed in the first place. I also think a lot of people find comfort searching for childhood memories in vintage pieces, looking for that one piece that was always a family favorite displayed during Holidays back in the day, a reminder of more innocent times. It's definitely a trip down memory lane and the novelty aspect of the kitsch piece can be so expressive, quirky and fun. These pieces are playful and can certainly bring the inner child back out as well helping us to recollect that warm and fuzzy feeling we all love to get. 

 Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I just want to say that since I've started collecting vintage kitsch I have met so many like-minded and incredible people. I now have several close collector friends, of which you are one, and I think this community is one of the most supportive, fun and artistic groups to be a part of. My collection would not be what it is today if it were not for my friend and fellow collectors. Xo

 Aww, I truly enjoyed reading your thoughts on Kitsch and your collection Paula! Thank you so much for your love of vintage!! You inspire us!! Hugs to you as well my dear friend!! 

Okay guys, until next month's interview! Happy Hunting!

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Interview with Petit__Museum

 Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series

    A monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...

    For the month of June, my blog interview is with a lovely collector of Alice in Wonderland Disney merch and vintage rubber face stuffed animals, petit__museum or Alicexmarket before on Instagram!

    Hello my name is Cheryl, but I have never publicly shared my real name as I don't hintk it's important. Haha! One very few collectors know my name, some of them call me Alice as my Instagram's name was "alicexmarket" (I used to collect Alice in Wonderland collectibles so crazily just like how I am collecting Rushtons now.) But, I never correct them anyway. I would also like to explain a bit on my new account's name... It's called, "Petit Museum", as I have been dreaming of having a small museum to display my toys. If I had a museum, it didn't have to be a grand place, but a cozy and friendly place full of treasures.

I come from Macau, which is a special administration area in China, just like Hong Kong. It is a small city with a lot of casinos and resorts and I am still living there.

I am mainly and mostly an English teacher, but I also have other jobs. I work seven days a week, and I work hard for my dolls.

I mainly use my Instagram "petit__museum" to share my collection. I am quite lazy... and busy...

The first time when I encountered a Rushton, was when I saw a seller selling Rushton plushies on a Chinese online secondhand market. I was surprised the plush was quite expensive and went to eBay to do some research on the pricing. It was not that pricey on eBay, and so I actually got my first Rushton, "Artist Bunny" at around 80 US dollars that time around 2019. I bought it just for fun. I didn't really like it very much and I just left it in the cabinet for two years!!! LOL

Rushton is somehow my current favorite. I also collect Disney collectibles. Mainly the ones made in the 90s and early 2000s. My favorite is Alice in Wonderland. I have a HUGE collection of it. I also collect other characters like the Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Cinderella... Besides Disney, I also collect Madame Alexander dolls. I started to collect them as they have the Alice in Wonderland ones. But then you know... collectors will just buy more and more! Another collection of mine, will be the hand-painted dolls from a Japanese artist, Miyuki Odani. The brand of the dolls is called, "Be My Baby Cherry". Probably they are the only non-vintage ones. They are very expensive though, so I am not always buying new ones.

My collection is my life. It just makes me smile to look at them, to display them... It's satisfying... But, I will get mad easily if I see them being messed up by my cats! I love vintage stuff as their quality is very good compared to the products nowadays. Most importantly, I love the designs. I actually find modern styled things quite disgusting in terms of the design. I have an old woman soul... And for vintage toys like Rushtons, each of them are so unique, even for the same kind. They still look different like different plushies. So it's their uniqueness and aesthetics that make me keen on collecting. 

The Rushton rubber faces were so well-designed. They just have the cutest facial expression! And their color combination, body shape, materials, and also their unique hand-painted face! They are just the perfect rubber faces to collect!

I have counted the number of Rushton back in April, and so far I have got more than 222 Rushtons!!! My first one is the Artist Bunny as mentioned, and I actually only started to collect after buying the Artist Bunny two years ago. I just somehow suddenly realized that Rushtons were so beautiful. I didn't collect all of the Ruhstons at the beginning, as I found that some of them were ugly. Like the octopus, but slowly after looking at them every day, I started to like every one of them. I believe I have the biggest collection of Rushtons on Earth... I almost buy every Rushton, and I am always looking for the ones in good condition as I am no expert in repairing them.

I didn't really ask or care what my family or friends think of my collection! I don't care what they think to be honest, and I seldom share my collection on my private account. But my sister, who has a great sense of taste, said that the Rushtons look good (except the octopus LOL).

I don't really have a favorite one. I can't choose... But, I still remember the moment I received the big bear, Bob, that Gigi repaired for me, as it's the first time for me to get such a huge Rushton!

If we are talking about rare Rushtons only, I'd probably say that the Rushton penguin which I got, I have never seen another collector having him and never seen a picture of him online.

A favorite in my collection? If it has to be a Rushton, then I will choose a Rushton lamb! It's my dream Rushton! There are so many Rushtons on my wish list, but the lamb is a dream to have!

I have noticed that their popularity is probably because of Melanie Martinez. But for me, I only knew that she collected them after I had started collecting them.

I have missed a perfect Rushton pink reindeer before as I was not familiar with Rushtons at the time. I wish I knew better and I wouldn't have missed it! Also, talking about buying and collecting stuff, I actually got all of my collection from other places, online and overseas. I am quite jealous to see US collectors finding cheap Rushtons or other vintage stuff in the wild as I don't have such an opportunity... And I usually need to buy them at high prices. So, I always need to act fast and frequently check the websites.

Thank you dear Cheryl for allowing us to take a peek into your huge collection and share your story with us. It was a joy to learn more about you!

Until next month guys! Happy Collecting!!

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls

Interview with Pookigram

  Interview with a Collector - A ggsdolls blog Series

A monthly series on my blog where I feature some of the most amazing collectors, sellers, and content creators that have become really good friends of mine and what they collect and why? Read on to learn more...

    For the month of May, my blog interview is with a handsome and truly kind, longtime friend and collector of vintage Japanese Moncchichi's, Pookigram on Instagram, also known as Gabe!

Gabe is Mexican born and raised, and is now living in The Netherlands for well over a decade. He was born in 1980 which makes him 42 years old this year. He is a "Stay-At-Home" partner and sells items from his vintage collection from time to time. You can find him on Etsy, Instagram and Youtube.

How did you discover vintage kitsch? In all honesty it is not like I started looking for “vintage”, or “Kitsch”. I simply buy the things I like and that I grew up with. But as the time goes by, more of my stuff is becoming vintage.

I was the third of 4 siblings, so a lot of my toys were 'hand-me-downs' from my older sister and brother which also contributed to me growing up with toys that were older than I was. Then my childhood occurred during the 80’s which was a bit of a golden age for toys and extremely kitsch.

I mainly collect Japanese toys and dolls specially from the Showa Era, but not limited to it, kitsch ceramics (Mostly Rune Naito and Ado Mizumori, although many other types have infiltrated my collections), fashion dolls, plushies, stationary, zakka and cute and Kawaii items in general.

 

How do you describe your relationship with your collection?  Well my collections are ever evolving and keep me interested because they revolve around my personal likes and style. It’s not like I collect items for the sake of a name brand or completing a collection specifically. They start spontaneously by me finding something I consider really beautiful and then it seems I manifest these items into my life. Like one of the items I am the most known for collecting are "Monchhichi" dolls and that started by mere chance. One day while walking home in Amsterdam, I saw in a shop’s window a plush Monchhichi key chain and this brought me a lot of happiness and nostalgia as I grew up watching the Hanna Barbera cartoons and always longed for the dolls but they were never sold in Mexico. I remember having a similar doll made by my mom, it was a thumb sucking baby and his head and hands were a Japanese plastic kit. My mom is a very creative person, so she would always be making crafts and toys for our home and for us children. 

 

I couldn’t buy the key chain that day as the shop was closed and it was during a period I was living between both Mexico and The Netherlands 3 months at a time. So, I returned to Mexico obsessed with the Monchhichi and by the time I got back to Amsterdam the store had closed for good… I then discovered that Monchhichi dolls were quite popular in The Netherlands and vintage ones were fairly accessible in the second hand market. So before I knew it a collection started forming. So that’s how the Monchhichi collection started, a triggered memory that over the years turned into a huge hobby. My relationship with my collections is very sentimental and based on memories and feelings that those Showa era faces that I grew up watching in anime evoked in me and still do to this day.

What is it about the Kitsch aesthetic that distinguishes it from other eras? The expression and artistry of the faces. I think back in those days things weren’t as heavily politicized and regulated as they are now. So the toys/decor were more artistic and spontaneous in their design sometimes bordering on the bizarre (A Japanese specialty). So you come across these dolls and ceramics that would never make it into production with nowadays standards. I fully realized that times and views have changed for the better, but in the process we have also lost sight of artistic freedoms and just plain naivety. Not everything is a political statement, like those naked cherubs or Japanese depictions of other races and the Japanese physique itself. Those figures were not created out of hate or mockery to different races nor their own. 

They were naive depictions of the different kinds of people of the world, but many of them are now considered inappropriate, “hate speech”, suggestive or racist. But to those of us that grew up on the periods they come from they represent the opposite, love and curiosity for the different cultures and races of the world and a desire to get to know them and see them even if it is merely through a caricature of their physique. Back then, the world wasn’t as connected as it is today and other cultures were not accessible to people unless you were someone who traveled the world constantly. So those figures represent that innocent dream of sharing and talking to people from different cultures than yours…

That sense of innocence is what makes the vintage cute aesthetic so unique to me, it captures the feelings of that generation.

Tell me a bit about your collection, what was the first item and how it has evolved? I started collecting toys as an adult back in Mexico. When I saw a Ken doll I really liked in a market and got him, from then on I bought a few more and the collection started. I originally bought them to redress them in clothes I would make them for myself. When I told all my friends I was collecting Ken dolls many of them brought me their childhood ones as presents. But it didn’t stop there, my friends started bringing me also all sorts of 80’s iconic toys for my “toy collection” and before I knew it I was collecting Carebears, Jem, Rainbow Brite, MLP’s, etc. 

This was a few years before I decided to move to Europe, so when I finally made the move overseas I had to leave most of my original toy collection behind and only took very strongly sentimental pieces with me. I always intended to go back for the rest eventually but never did. So after moving the Monchhichi incident happened and Monchhichi became my main collection focus for a long time and in order to make dioramas for my Monchhichi photography. I also started getting miniature items and furniture that would have a scale that worked well with my dolls, Barbie playsets and ReMent are the perfect scale. 

But a large part of the items I began collecting were random finds from markets and thrift stores. I am always looking for miniature items that evoke nostalgia in me and would work for my dioramas. The majority are 1/6 scale, but I also have toys in different scales. So I end up buying things in all sizes. I have gotten to a point where I have to store big parts of my collections in boxes because with my limited space not everything can be on display. So sometimes to help with space and procuring funds to get items I really want I resort to selling pieces from my collections online.

What has been the reaction of your family, friends and colleagues on your hobby? Everyone was always positive about it and they all have helped me immensely in finding items for my collection. My family and friends in Mexico only experienced me collecting vintage toys though, the ceramics and decor has been a later phase in my collecting that started in Europe. My mom is someone who always helped me by surprising me often with toys she would buy for me because she saw them and thought they would go perfect with my collection. My friends as I mentioned earlier, brought me pieces from their own childhoods constantly and would gift me random items I mentioned I was looking for.

I have learned that for many adult toy collectors there seems to be a shame and sense of secrecy tied to their collecting. It was eye opening to me to realize how supported and lucky I was within my social circles where everyone bragged about me and my “fun toy collecting”. I think part of it came from me discussing it openly whenever it came into light, so it cleared any misconceptions people could have from the get go…

Tell me about your favorite item in your collection and why is it so special? It is quite hard to pin point a favorite Item from all what I collect. But one of my most cherished Monchhichi dolls is “Frankie” a Monchhichi I found in a market that had been stabbed in the plush in several places. It made me so sad to see such a sweet doll being abused like that so I bought him and mended all the holes and re-stuffed his body and dressed in him in an outfit with the words “good friend” printed on his shirt. He’s one I am very attached too. I named him Frankie because he has a zillion stitches all over his little body… 

Another big favorite is my Peter Playpal doll “Pietertje”. He was an inheritance from a dear friend that passed away and considered him a faithful companion. Pietertje sat in his dining room for many years and now lives in my toy room. So whenever I miss my friend Gerard, I hug and talk to Pieterje about him and how happy he made us both, when he was alive. I have many dolls I love for their beauty and rarity, but the ones that I cherish the most are ones tied to my life emotionally.

You run a shop, how and when did that start and what has been your experience?

I started first listing some of my repeated pieces on a local sales website to regain some space and also to earn some extra money, overtime. I started to come across really collectable items that I not necessarily collected myself but were at amazing deals. So when the opportunity presents itself I also buy items that I know I can sell for a profit. This however mostly backfires, because then I start getting attached and have a hard time letting go and a new collection starts…  Eventually, I also started selling and listing items on Etsy where I also buy pieces for my personal collections. From those purchases, I have made amazing friends and connections.

Have there been many surprises along the way? Ohhh yes always, both positive and negative ones. On the positive side how friendly and caring some of the customers and sellers can be as I mentioned I have gained personal friends. By purchasing online and having personal conversations with both sellers and buyers. On the negative, the amount of people that try and scam you online, it can be very upsetting and scary. So I’ve learned to always ship tracked and insured even if it takes away my competitive pricing against other sellers.

Is it sometimes hard to let go of a really good item? Totally! Many of those “resale" pieces are still with me and were the start of a new collection…

If someone had no access to the internet to see your shop, how would you describe it to them?  A curated selection of vintage nostalgia and childhood memorabilia from the 50’s forward…

How do you source items for your shop and what do you look for? 

I source mostly from thrift shops and flea markets all over Europe. I had the fortune of being able to constantly be in different cities and countries as I live in a small but very well connected country. This allows me to be in different cities or provinces every week and traveling to neighboring countries on weekends and holidays. So I am always visiting antique markets, thrift shops and second hand shops all over the place, Paris, Brussels, Antwerp, Berlin, Amsterdam. The Dutch provinces is where I mainly shop, but every time I go to a new country the thrift shops and markets are the first places I go to. I also buy online and have a network of good friends in the hobby that have helped me immensely to get grail pieces. Without their kindness and expertise I would have never come across. One big example is the person authoring this interview, Gigi from GG’s doll shop (ggsdollshop) on Etsy is a close friend and she has helped me find some of my rarest most cherished dolls. It really helps to have a kindred spirit that also sells to find just the perfect piece sometimes!

 

On pieces I sell, I try to usually have them new in unopened box or packaging to avoid dramas and if there are any flaws on something I list. I am very thorough in expressing it and showing the flaws to avoid disappointments or confusions. Honesty is the best policy in my opinion, specially with vintage online sales.

Describe some of your best selling items in your shop or an item that would sell right away as soon as you listed it?

In my experience 60’s and MOD dolls are always a big hit, I should know as I have a big weakness for them. Also Japanese exclusive items are fast sellers as well. But, most importantly is the condition of an item. The better the condition the faster and better it sells. Damaged pieces do sell too, but it takes a longer time and people try to haggle.

What would be the most unique item you have come across and what would be an item that is your ultimate ISO?

Unusual would have to be a Sekiguchi Printemps doll, I once bought in a flea market for 2 Euros! She was lying on the ground amongst several other similar scale porcelain dolls all dirty and tangled. But I recognized that haunting beauty right away and couldn’t believe my luck. Similarly, I have found some really rare and obscure dolls from Japan in the most unexpected places being sold as junk along with McDonald’s toys and dime store knickknacks! Thrifting is such a thrill and you truly never know what will land on your hands when you dig in a dirty box of toys in a market or thrift shop!

 

An item I am constantly dreaming of finding would be the awake "Memole" doll from Bandai (Tongari Boshi no Memoru). I was lucky to purchase the sleeping version of the doll precisely from YOU, Gigi! (ggsdollshop). She’s something I feel I wouldn’t have come across in my hunts. Also, any of those early Monchhichi animal variations made for "Endo" chain department stores in Northern Japan. Those are something I always dream of finding, but haven’t ever come across physically, only buying them online. In general, vintage Sekiguchi dolls from the Showa Era are one of my big weaknesses as they invoke my childhood memories and dreams. They just make me so happy!

 

 

 Have you noticed an increase in popularity for vintage kitsch, why do you think that is so?  

 

Totally, not only for kitsch but also toys in general! I strongly believe it has to do mainly with social media and the exposure people have nowadays to the collections of others. We’ve seen it happen with Flickr and the boost that it gave to the toy/kitsch collecting hobby in general and how the story is repeating itself now on Instagram and TikTok on a much bigger scale. People who otherwise wouldn’t know about certain items or aesthetics are being exposed to them on social media and falling in love with the styles and items from yesteryear’s and also emulating their favorite collectors. 

 

Because it also has come to light in many cases like celebrities are also kitsch and toy collectors, Melanie Martinez and Sophie Ellis Bextor come to mind. They both collect Rushton plush, Blythe and Cheburashka respectively and since they have shown their collections I’ve noticed booms and price increases due to a much higher demand. So much so that Rushton plushes are practically inaccessible nowadays when just a few years ago you could still buy them for sometimes as low as $20 online even! So, as a tip to other fellow collectors I would say, If there is a vintage doll/item you’re trying to pursue as a collection it’s better to keep it offline and out of social media at least until you have acquired the pieces that you most desire and need. Because once it’s out there, the chances are you will inspire others and the demand for such item and the prices will soar out of your reach. It’s a lesson we all learned the hard way… 

Social media is a great tool and a way to find kindred spirits from all over the world, but it is also a double edged sword as it can negatively impact your collecting habits and price you out of your beloved hobby. So use it wisely and also don’t 'gate keep' people away from your collecting. Owning something beautiful or rare doesn’t make anyone better than others.

Let your motivation be sharing your collection’s beauty with others and not a bizarre superiority complex because you own something scarce or sought after. I can speak from personal experience and tell that I wouldn’t have the finer pieces of my collection if it wasn’t for the help and kindness of other collectors who started before me and gave me hints or even generously parted with some of their pieces so I could have them. Please don’t ever harass people to sell you their collections online, specially if they’re not specifically tagging them as “For sale” or “Available”. Keep in mind than it can be insulting and disturbing to be pestered to sell something, that someone has a deeper emotional connection or took years to find, just because you just discovered it and find it cool or interesting.

 

Collecting is like any other hobby and takes time and dedication and has a learning curve. You can’t buy your way into having an amazing collection like those you see online. Usually to get to such a level it takes years or sometimes a lifetime for the people you see online. So don’t feel pressured to own or know everything about a certain item or aesthetic. Discovering it’s secrets and getting there is 90% of the fun of collecting  and getting the actual item is the cherry on top, but what good is a sundae if it was merely a jar of cherries???

 

Take your time and enjoy the process and if you can help others along the way it is way more rewarding that way!

 

Beautifully said dear Gabe!! Thank you so much for sharing your collection and shop with us, and most especially your awesome wisdom on collecting. I truly appreciate you my dearest friend!! Sharing Gabe's collection and thoughts on collecting in general was truly a special for me, because we've known one another from way back to the early 2000s. He is definitely right, you meet some of the most amazing people through our love of collecting. Love you Gabe!!

 

Until next time my dear readers! Happy Collecting!

 

Thank you for stopping by! ~ ggsdolls