Naef Spiel, Kurt Naef 1957

 This classic 1957 design by Kurt Naef is still produced by hand in Switzerland.

I love this set that shows off the natural grain. The design allows for open ended play opportunities

                                           

     Images ©Naef Spiele AG 

Schooline Poodle

Wooden Schooline poodle. Made in Japan.

The swing tag reads  - Over the years choice and finely worked woods become treasured possessions. The wood inlays and natural grain of this figure will acquire warmth and quality with handling.

Schooline Corporation, Hollywood, California
Stamped SCHOOLINE © 1958

I'd love some more information. If you have some please add a comment.

Kindergarten play

I taught at one of Australia's oldest kindergartens. This beautiful old wooden house must have been played with by 100s of children. The patina was provided by lots of little fingers.

The figure in front of the house was made in New Zealand in a no longer running sheltered workshop.

The wooden wombats [right of the figure] were made by craftsman John Elliott in Warburton from scavenged wood. [Unfortunately he is also no longer making toys].

Well designed and crafted toys live beyond the life time of their designers and makers.  

Oguru Saburo Jigsaw Puzzle

This Jigsaw puzzle was found at a school fete, we loved the design.
It appears to be the design work of Japan's Oguru Saburo who has designed for Swiss "play object" maker Naef.
Each piece of the puzzle is lovely to play with. The animals are often taken out and swam or walked across the floor. It is quite a tricky puzzle and there are times when the pieces are not placed back in their frame.
Beautifully designed wooden toys still look great when left scattered by the kids in play.

Kay Bojesen Dog Little Tim, Denmark

This is Kay Bojesen's "Little Tim". No longer in production. Each turn of his head brings a new expression. I was lucky enough to buy him whilst trawling ebay, listed only as "wood dog". The postage cost to Australia was greater than the sale! A real bargain!!! Judging by auction results he is rare [and valuable]. Tim's friend "Plet"[Spot] sold at lauritz.com for nearly EUR 700. Not too valuable for the kids to play with though. Kay Bojesen would want his dog to be played with.

Schooline Bears

Here is a family of Schooline Bears. These bears come in a number of sizes just like those of Bojesen. The contrasting wood detail on the pads on these bears feet are beautiful. Made in Japan they are marked SCHOOLINE © 1958. I'd love some more information on who designed for Schooline and Zoo-Line. Do you know?

Kay Bojesen Bear, Denmark

This Kay Bojesen bear was found for a few dollars at our local op shop. We loved him, googled "Kay Bojesen" and we had to find him some friends. His Danish friends have not been as cheap but hunting for Bojesen  bargains has been fun.

Zoo-line Panda Bears

Does any one have good reference material on zooline and schooline figures?

These cute wooden pandas were made in Japan for Zoo-line. Stamped COPYRIGHT  © 1957 ZOO-LINE. I love the inlaid eyes. Japanese and Danish designers were influencing each other in the 50s and 60s. Some of my favourite designs are mid century Japanese and Danish.

Antonio Vitali Family

I love this family. The way each family member fits into a space left by another is beautiful. Swiss designer Antonio Vitali made these for Creative Playthings.