Bugs for Dolls
From the Pittsburgh Press - Oct 23, 1938:
BUGS FOR DOLLS
Dead Crickets Are Toys in China
In China, where life is hard and patience strong, the toy man is a favorite of old and young. On the streets of Peiping he displays his wares and children flock to see — and if they have pennies — to buy. A set of his most fascinating wares are fashioned from skins of dead crickets, dressed up to satirize the many street vendors in the ancient city.
Dead Crickets Are Toys in China
In China, where life is hard and patience strong, the toy man is a favorite of old and young. On the streets of Peiping he displays his wares and children flock to see — and if they have pennies — to buy. A set of his most fascinating wares are fashioned from skins of dead crickets, dressed up to satirize the many street vendors in the ancient city.
"This cricket has been mounted to represent a vendor of flowers and plants."
"These crickets represent a barber shaving a customer."
"Barbers bring their trade to the customer in China. They carry their 'shops' on long poles which they balance on one shoulder. Above is a Chinese cricket-barber carrying his tools along the street, offering to shave the head of any he meets."
"Bicycles fill the streets of Peiping. Hence the toy-man's set would be incomplete without a cricket astride a wheel."
Comments
Good Lord! The good ol' days were gross.
Posted by Robb of Warren on 07/10/17 at 11:30 AM
This is just fascinating! Out of all of the various pieces of "art" work I have seen composed using weird stuff these are excellent.
Posted by Steve E. on 07/10/17 at 01:41 PM
But were any of them movie stars?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVatbWZpmPw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVatbWZpmPw
Posted by Phideaux on 07/10/17 at 10:17 PM
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Category: Toys | 1930s