Virtual Thriftathon – the haul from Japan and the USA!

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Japanese people have a strange aversion to used items (Liza Dalby mentions it in her book “Kimono“). Some people see used clothing and personal items as having retained some of the previous owners spirit, or so that’s how I’ve heard it explained. Charity thrift stores like the Open Door Mission or others really don’t exist in Japan! However, the needs of a large population on a small island with very little garbage space has led to a multitude of business that go by the name of Hard-Off (electronics), Kimono-Off, or Book-Off. They are the antithesis of the thrift store because the items they take in are in very good condition, carefully gone over, and are only barely discounted from new-item price.

This having been said, you can often find nice bargains in some stores, especially when you’re a n00b gaijin trying to furnish an apartment on a budget. One of my favorites is called Second Street. It’s a great place to find discounted clothes and housewares. So that’s where I went to get my Thriftathon item!

And here he is! I’ve written about tanuki before… they’re basically like gnomes you put on your lawn, bringing good fortune to your family. I’ve wanted one for my own house for ages, but they tend to run around Y6000 (~$58) for a small one. This one I unearthed at Second Street for a mere Y2000 (~$18)! This one is currently living in my living room, hopefully attracting lots of good luck for the new year.

Thanks to Cindy is Crafty for such a nifty event!

~CAB

Thanks to CAB we have the haul from Japan.

Here’s what MadSilence found in the good old U.S.A.

Thanks to the Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift stores, we have two ceramic figurines, both marked “Made in Occupied Japan,” and the top of a milk glass covered hen dish (Westmoreland?).  Total price for the three pieces: $4.50.  

But wait… there’s more!

For a $10 purchase price we have this beautiful landscape painting:

Hand-painted and nicely done. It’s a shame that someone felt it necessary to donate this painting to Goodwill. At least it will have a good home.

Thanks again to Cindy.

~TAB

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Filed under Art, Collecting, Engrish, Glass, Japan, Japanese Culture, News, Sculpture, Thoughts

Tags: collection, milk glass, pressed galss, tanuki, thrift stores, thriftathon