Item Description An exquisite collection of 8 vintage wooden animal figurines from Senshukai's legendary "Royal Pet" series, manufactured during the exclusive production period of 1960-1970s. This carefully selected set represents a treasured piece of Japanese mid-century modern design and exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of traditional kokeshi artisans. Royal Pet stands as one of the most iconic collectible series in Japanese design history, created by Senshukai, a company whose origins lie in kokeshi doll manufacturing. The company name itself derives from "Kokeshi Sentai Shumi Shushu no Kai" (Society for Collecting One Thousand Kokeshi). During the 1960s Nordic design boom, Senshukai drew inspiration from Scandinavian wooden toys and channeled their kokeshi-making expertise into creating these charming wooden animal figurines for children. Each piece in this distinguished collection is meticulously handcrafted by master kokeshi artisans using premium Japanese cherry wood (yamazakura). The wood's natural warmth, smooth texture, and distinctive grain create a tactile and visual appeal that has only deepened with age. The gentle, rounded forms and endearing expressions showcase the harmonious blend of Scandinavian design principles with Japanese craftsmanship, echoing the work of renowned designers like Kay Bojesen and Christian Vedel while maintaining a uniquely Japanese character. These figurines were originally distributed through Senshukai's innovative monthly subscription service (hanpukai system), where subscribers received a different animal each month for the accessible price of 100 yen. This revolutionary business model transformed the collectible market in Japan and propelled Senshukai's rapid growth from 5,000 members in six months to over 100,000 within three years. The complete series comprised 20 different animals, making substantial sets increasingly rare and highly sought after by collectors today. The compact dimensions, with most pieces measuring between 6-13 cm in height, make these figurines versatile display pieces suitable for bookshelves, office desks, living room arrangements, or as part of sophisticated interior styling. Some animals feature cleverly designed moveable parts, adding playful functionality to their aesthetic charm. The natural patina developed over decades enhances their vintage appeal and authenticity. No longer in production, these Royal Pet animals have become prized collectibles among interior design connoisseurs, mid-century modern enthusiasts, and vintage toy collectors worldwide. They embody an important era in Japanese design evolution and the pioneering spirit of subscription-based commerce. Size Height: 16.5 cm Width: 5.5 cm Depth: 4.5 cm (Note: This represents the overall package dimensions. Individual animal sizes vary, with most pieces measuring approximately 6-13 cm in height) Weight 502 g Condition Good vintage condition showing natural age-appropriate characteristics from the 1960s-1970s era. Minor wear and gentle patina consistent with cherry wood aging. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.