Recently in Anyone Heard of This? Category

Bluebird Gardens site visitor Mike recently asked if I knew anything more about his made in Japan donkey ceramic (photos)

What's interesting about this donkey ceramic is the pixie riding on the back of a lid that lifts.

A separate plate matches the same design.

I love made in Japan collectibles for fun home decor and gifts; they are relatively inexpensive and can be charmingly whimsical.

Donkeys were a favorite theme for Made in Japan ceramics for many decades.

Some were produced for local markets, others for export.

I promised Mike I would post his photos in case someone else can help him with more detailed information.

"i have what i found to be a corn cob doll. the notes say it was made in
arkansas in 1945 and won first place in the new york doll fair in 1945 for being the
best all american doll. it has a painted face on a corn cob and a bonnet, flowery
dress and green overcoat with wood hands and feet. any help would be appreciated as
to collectible or appraisal of some sort..."

We are trying to find information about a doll we have and are not having
any luck.  If you can help us, we would be most appreciative.  
The doll is a 1987 Phyllis Parkins completely porcelain body wedding doll, 18" tall.
My wife bought it in 1987 for $395...

Hi John,

The doll maker Phyllis Parkins lives here in town so I called her.
She said this is probably a reproduction of an antique doll. You'll find 
a mark on the back of the neck or head.

She did sculpt an original bridal doll in 1990; Phyllis' name and 
date will be found on the dolls shoulder.

For many years, including 1987, those dolls and clothes were handmade
here in Rolla, MO at the "Doll Factory." 

I took several tours of the factory over the yrs; it was finally 
closed early 2002 so your doll's value should be higher than purchase
price, if nothing else because these handmade dolls are no longer 
made in US.

Does anyone else have anything to offer about this doll's value?

Have you seen "It Came On A Midnight Clear"?  It was presented as a Jack Dampsey
quilt pattern.  It was in a packet that had the first name on it.It Came On A
Midnight Clear.   Jack doesn't have it.  I checked with him.  I have checked
everywhere for it.  It is beautiful.  It has the three kings with it.  I want to
embroider it.  And then I want to quilt it  It is last year's pattern. From Pat