Vintage Napco Schoolgirl Head Vase Planter — Purple Plaid, Pigtails & Book, 1950s Japan

The Studious One

Every group of friends has one — the girl who always has her nose in a book, even on the walk to school. This Napco schoolgirl head vase captures that quiet, bookish charm in glazed ceramic, right down to the striped schoolbook tucked under her arm and the slightly parted lips that suggest she might be reading aloud to herself. She's part of the beloved series of girl head vases that Napco imported from Japan throughout the 1950s, produced in a variety of plaid colorways. This particular piece wears a purple plaid dress — a less commonly seen variation that stands out from the more typical grey, blue, and pink versions. Her brown hair falls in pigtails tied with plum-colored bows, and a wide yellow hat sits atop her head, finished with a dramatic purple ribbon bow. The scalloped white collar and hand-painted facial features — rosy cheeks, defined lashes, a tiny red mouth — give her an endearing, storybook quality.

The Head Vase Phenomenon

Lady head vases — also called head planters or headvases by collectors — are one of the most beloved categories in mid-century ceramic collecting. They were produced primarily in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s, imported by American companies like Napco, Inarco, Relpo, and Lefton, and sold through florists, gift shops, and five-and-dimes across the country. Florists would fill them with small arrangements, and customers fell in love with the vases themselves. What was meant to be packaging became the treasure. Napco — the National Potteries Corporation, based in Cleveland, Ohio — was one of the most prolific importers of Japanese ceramics during this era. Founded in 1938, the company built its reputation on affordable, decorative ceramics that found their way into nearly every American home. Their girl head vases, with pigtails and schoolgirl outfits, remain among the most charming and collectible forms in the category. This piece bears the circled "N" mark embossed on the base — the confirmed Napco identifier — along with remnants of the original foil sticker. Be sure to look for other vintage head vases in the shop — each one has her own personality.

Details

• Maker: Napco (National Potteries Corporation), Cleveland, Ohio
• Origin: Made in Japan
• Era: 1950s
• Material: Glazed ceramic with hand-painted details
• Form: Girl head vase / planter (open at top)
• Dimensions: Approximately 5" tall × 4" wide
• Mark: Circled "N" embossed on base (confirmed Napco); remnants of original foil sticker
• Color: Purple/plum plaid dress, yellow hat with purple bow, brown hair
• Accessories: Holding a striped schoolbook; no removable accessories

Condition

Very good vintage condition. The display surfaces are clean and bright — no cracks or crazing. Hand-painted facial features and decorative details remain crisp throughout. There is a small chip to one of the bows and a small glaze nick on the underside of the base (not visible when displayed). The purple plaid is a less common colorway, and despite these minor flaws, she presents beautifully and is priced accordingly. A charming addition to any head vase collection.