With their fluffy, curly-looking coats and prim little poses, spaghetti poodles are among the most charming knick-knacks of the 1950s. Once found on every other mantel and vanity, these quirky figurines are now a nostalgic collector favorite.
What Is a Spaghetti Poodle?
A spaghetti poodle is a ceramic poodle figurine covered in tiny, thin strands of clay that look like spaghetti noodles. This "spaghetti trim" was squeezed through a fine press and applied by hand to create a fuzzy, textured coat. The technique was used on cats, dogs and other animals too, but poodles are by far the most iconic.
Why Poodles?
The 1950s were poodle-crazy. Poodle skirts, poodle prints and poodle decor were everywhere, and spaghetti poodles fit right into that playful, feminine style.
Popular Styles
- Standing, sitting and prancing poodles
- Mother poodles with puppies, sometimes attached by little gold chains
- Poodle planters, perfume bottles, powder boxes and ring holders
- Colors including white, pink, black, gray, blue and gold-accented pieces
- Gold-painted trim, rhinestone eyes and collars on fancier pieces
Makers and Marks
Most spaghetti poodles were made in Japan and imported by American companies such as Lefton, Napco, Inarco, Relpo and Enesco. Look on the bottom for:
- Paper or foil labels, often with "Japan".
- Stamped or incised marks with a company name or number.
- "Made in Occupied Japan" marks, which date a piece to 1945 to 1952 and add collector interest.
Some pieces were also made in the US, including hobby ceramics cast and decorated at home in the 1960s and '70s.
Condition Is Everything
The delicate spaghetti trim breaks easily, so condition makes a big difference in value. Check closely for:
- Broken or missing strands, especially on ears, tails and topknots.
- Chips on feet, noses and bases.
- Worn gold paint.
- Repairs or glued spots.
A little loss in the spaghetti trim is very common and expected on pieces 70 years old; perfect examples are harder to find.
Cleaning and Care
- Dust gently with a soft makeup brush or a hair dryer on the cool setting.
- Avoid soaking, as water can damage cold-painted details and labels.
- Handle by the body, never by the ears, tail or trim.
Displaying Your Poodles
Group a little poodle family on a vanity or bookshelf, pair them with pink and gold accents for a 1950s look, or tuck one onto a shelf with vintage books for a touch of whimsy.
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