These are vintage Japanese folklore netsuke-style resin figurines. This specific set consists of miniature reproductions that replicate traditional hand-carved toggles, historically used to secure personal pouches to kimono sashes.Handcrafted in Italy during the mid-to-late 20th century, often distributed in the United States by Action Industries based out of Cheswick, PA.Individual FigurinesFirst (Left): A craftsman or merchant working over a block or tub.Second: A seated figure crouching low with an object or a small animal.Third (Center): A traditional mask seller (Men-uri) holding up a large sack with an actor mask resting prominently at his feet.Fourth: A long-bearded elder or sage enveloped in heavy robes, reminiscent of Fukurokuju or Jurōjin (deities of longevity).Fifth (Right): A figure leaning against a large woven bag or sack, often representing Hotei, the god of contentment and happinessMid-Century Popularity: These specific 1-to-2 inch miniature series were sold both individually and in boxed sets. They gained immense popularity in the United States when Hollywood films and interior design trends heavily embraced East Asian aesthetics, blending them into traditional mid-century home spaces as whimsical accent pieces, tray fillers, or paperweights.
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