One of the very first Knee Huggers to cross the Pacific — a pixie-faced Santa in flocked red felt, still wearing his original Japan sticker.
Materials: Fabric, celluloid
Dimensions: Approx. 5" tall, 1.5" wide
Origin: Japan
Era: Vintage, 1930s
Condition: Vintage condition — gently soiled with light wear consistent with age; complete, no missing parts. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.
This early Santa predates the rounder, smiling elves of the 1950s — his pixie features and celluloid face mark him as one of the style's true originals, rare and complete after nearly a century.
A quietly significant find for a Santa collection, or a single perfect note of vintage warmth on a mantel or tree.
Japan became a major source of affordable Christmas decor in the 1930s, perfecting techniques that brought charming, handcrafted figures to five-and-dime shelves across America. Knee Hugger figures from this earliest period are increasingly hard to find intact, having been handled and played with for generations before finding their way into today's collections.
A lovely addition to a Knee Hugger collection, and a fun one to pair with more Japan imports from our shop.
