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Rare Vintage 1950s Julene Mechler "Mechler Menehunes" Ceramic Collection - Set of 4 (3 signed)
Each piece beautifully captures the playful, mythical "little people" of Hawaiian lore engaging in traditional daily activities. Finding a coordinated collection of four in a single group—featuring fully legible, authentic signatures on the main pieces—is an incredible opportunity for any serious collector of vintage Hawaiiana, Tikiana, or mid-century studio pottery.
### Included in this Collection:
* **The Fisherman:** Standing figure holding a vintage woven fabric fishing net adorned with a tiny starfish. Features a smooth, factory-applied clear glaze inside the hollow underside.
* **The Ukulele Player:** Sitting figure cross-legged playing a stringed ukulele instrument with a red floral lei around his neck.
* **The Gourd Drinker (Standing):** Figure lifting a traditional drinking gourd vessel up to his mouth.
* **The Gourd Drinker (Seated):** Figure resting on a stump while holding a small coconut shell or gourd bowl.
Authenticity & Maker's Marks:
* **Three (3) Signed Figures:** The Fisherman, the Ukulele Player, and the Standing Gourd Drinker all feature authentic, legible handwritten script signatures on the bottom base reading **"Mechler Menehune by Julene, Honolulu"** along with a copyright symbol. The markings remain completely intact and clearly readable.
* **One (1) Unsigned Figure:** The smallest figure (Seated Gourd Drinker) is unsigned on the underside. However, it features the exact same distinct clay base material, mold details, hand-painted techniques, and high-gloss glaze work, making it a guaranteed authentic, original attribution to this Julene Mechler set.
***Detailed Condition Report:
These pieces are roughly 70 years old and are made of delicate hand-painted earthenware. They have been preserved well as a set but show expected signs of vintage age:
* **Signatures:** Clean, legible, and uncompromised on the three signed bases.
* **Crazing:** Natural, fine surface glaze crazing is present across the glossy glazed areas (notably visible on the legs/bodies of the figures), which is standard and expected for mid-century ceramics of this composition.
* **Paint Summary:** The painted features remain bright and vivid across all figures.
* **Repairs:** There are no apparent structural breaks, major cracks, or professional restorations. The fabric netting on the fisherman shows an expected vintage patina but is structurally intact. There is one tiny corner of the starfish that was either broken off or came that way.
*Please inspect all high-resolution images carefully, as they serve as the definitive visual extension of this condition report.*
Shipping, Handling, & Return Policy:
Due to the fragile nature of 1950s Hawaiian art pottery, this collection will be packed with the utmost care. Each figurine will be independently double-wrapped in premium bubble wrap and secured in a sturdy, oversized box with ample cushioning to prevent shifting during transit. **Fully insured shipping with a signature tracking requirement will be applied.**
**Return & Damage Policy:**
Due to the extremely fragile, 70-year-old nature of these hand-painted mid-century ceramics, this collection is being sold **As-Is**. Returns will only be accepted if an item arrives with new damage not documented in the listing photos.
In the rare event of transit damage, the buyer must retain all original packaging material and boxes, as these will be required to file an insurance claim with the carrier. Every shipment is fully insured, packed to museum standards, and requires a signature upon delivery.
