Figurine, Christmas Choir Boy, Red & White Robe, Hymnal, Hand Painted Ceramic, Kreiss, Japan, Vintage 1950s

Red and white robe, black bow tie, gold shoes, hymnal in hand — this little choir boy is mid-song and entirely committed to the performance. Hand painted ceramic from Kreiss, dating to the late 1950s, with a beautifully detailed face and the warm, slightly imperfect charm of mid-century holiday decor at its best. He is unmarked but research points to Kreiss Japan. There is a tiny bit of color loss consistent with age, photographed for your review.

Kreiss was founded in 1939 by Murray Kreiss and his two sons Norman and Howard, initially importing novelties and ceramic wares from Japan. The company expanded under Norman and his wife Eileen into goods from Spain, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand. Tragically, Howard was killed over Japan in 1958, leaving Norman to carry the company forward alone. In 1966 Kreiss opened its first showroom on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, and in 1972 pivoted into luxury furniture manufacturing. Today Kreiss is a four-generation family-owned luxury home furnishings company — a remarkable journey from holiday ceramic imports to one of America's finest furniture brands.

A cheerful piece for a mid-century Christmas display, a Kreiss collector, or anyone who loves holiday figurines with a genuine story.

• Maker: Kreiss, Made in Japan
• Era: 1950s (late)
• Material: Ceramic, hand painted
• Dimensions: 4.75" tall
• Condition: Very good vintage. Tiny color loss consistent with age, photographed. No chips or cracks. All sales final.