Naef Swiss Wooden Dog Puppet

Quintessentia often have beautifully designed Swiss vintage toys available on their web page.  This Naef Swiss Wooden Dog Puppet is currently for sale at $220. The paintwork may not be original but was done by someone with a strong aesthetic sense. I think it looks great.

Vntage Wooden Toy Caterpillar & Swiss Naef Juba

My kids love playing with this vintage wooden toy caterpillar. When placed in the hand carved wooden cocoon like dish it looks ready for transformation. However, when it emerges from the cocoon it is has not transformed into a butterfly but remains a beautiful caterpillar.
The contrasting light and dark woods remind me of the wooden animals of Danish Kay Bojesen or the Schooline figures from Japan . The caterpillars movement and play potential bring to mind Naef's Juba by Xavier De Clippelier.

Above my beautiful wooden vintage toy. Below Switzerland's Naef Juba. Image © Naef Spiele AG 

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 

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.