Ornaments, Angel Head Pick, Hand-Painted with Gold Foil & Tulle Wings, Japan, Vintage 1950s

A delicate 1950s Japanese import, this tiny angel pick pairs a hand-painted stockinette face with wings dusted in gold foil and tulle.

• Materials: Fabric, netting, foil, wood
• Dimensions: Approx. 6" overall; angel approx. 3" long, 4.5" wingtip to wingtip
• Origin: Japan
• Era: Vintage, 1950s
• Condition: Vintage condition — minor tearing on the sides of the stockinette face, not easily noticeable; wings intact. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

Mid-century Japan turned out countless variations on the angel head pick, each one painted and assembled by hand. This one pairs the classic tulle wing with a touch of gold foil, a small but telling detail that sets her apart from simpler versions of the same form.

Tuck her into a wreath, tie her to a gift, or nestle her among the branches of your tree for a quiet, old-world touch.

Japan's mid-century ornament industry ran on exactly this kind of handwork — pickers, painters, and fabric cutters turning out ornaments piece by piece for export to America's postwar Christmas market. Angel head picks were among the most popular small forms, cheap enough to buy by the dozen and sturdy enough that plenty still survive today.

She pairs beautifully with the other vintage Japan angel picks in our shop, for a small flock of mismatched wings on a single tree.