Kreiss Beatnik Picasso Figurine Vintage Mid Century Kitsch Art Collectible Japan For Sale

Vintage Kreiss & Co. Beatnik Picasso — Psycho Ceramics Novelty FigurineA wonderfully eccentric piece of mid-century collectible design, this vintage Kreiss Beatnik Picasso figurine captures the irreverent humor, artistic caricature, and counterculture imagery that make vintage novelty ceramics so appealing.The character’s defining feature is its distinctive metal nameplate reading “PICASSO?—WHO’S THAT, CAT?” Combining a bohemian artist’s appearance with a deliberately irreverent punchline, this expressive figure is a memorable example of the offbeat humor associated with the Beatnik era.With its bright blue beret, exaggerated facial features, shaggy black hair and mustache, light-blue artist’s coat, paint-splattered striped trousers, and miniature artist’s palette, the figure has tremendous visual personality. A small red-tipped cigarette completes the caricature, while the angled wooden display base gives it a distinctive presentation.Collector Highlights* Maker: Kreiss & Co.
* Character: Beatnik Picasso
* Collectible line: Psycho Ceramics / Beatnik
* Era: Circa 1960s; exact production year unconfirmed
* Construction: Glazed ceramic figure with applied fiber hair, wooden display base, and metal nameplate
* Inscription: “PICASSO?—WHO’S THAT, CAT?”
* Underside marking: Reported ink stamp reading “© KREISS BEATNIK”
* Height: Approximately 6 inches, including the baseDesign and Mid-Century AppealThe charm of this figure lies in its wonderfully exaggerated details. The heavy-lidded eyes, prominent pink nose, shaggy facial hair, and blue artist’s beret create an instantly recognizable caricature of a bohemian painter. The colorful paint splatters, artist’s palette, and cigarette reinforce the character’s irreverent personality.The plaque’s reference to Picasso adds another layer of humor, playing on the image of the unconventional modern artist. Its combination of sculpted ceramic, applied hair, a separate wooden base, and a metal inscription plaque makes it an engaging mixed-media display piece.This collectible is particularly suited to enthusiasts of Kreiss novelty ceramics, Psycho Ceramics, Beatnik memorabilia, mid-century kitsch, Japanese export pottery, and vintage pop-culture collectibles. It would also make an unusual conversation piece for an art studio, library, office, or eclectic vintage display.Condition ReportThis is a vintage collectible showing visible age and wear.* Glaze: Extensive crazing across the face, torso, and clothing.
* Nose: Tiny chip or paint loss at the tip, exposing the lighter ceramic body beneath.
* Ceramic finish: Some surface irregularity in the blue glaze around the collar area.
* Applied hair: Black fiber hair and facial-hair elements remain largely present; the adhesive has aged.
* Wooden base: Dark finish with signs of age.
* Metal plaque: Minor surface oxidation; inscription remains legible.
* Beret: Circular opening at the top with a visible white ceramic plug; its precise manufacturing purpose has not been independently confirmed.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. The item is offered in its observed vintage condition, with no claim that every component has been independently authenticated as original.A Distinctive Vintage CollectibleWith its memorable Picasso-themed joke, expressive beatnik character, and classic novelty-ceramic aesthetic, this Kreiss figurine offers a distinctive addition to a collection of mid-century decorative objects.A compelling find for collectors of vintage Kreiss, Psycho Ceramics, Beatnik figures, retro kitsch, and unusual character pottery.ALL OFFERS ARE WELCOME AND PERSONALLY REVIEWED.