c.1980s–1990s Disney Japan Melamine Plate – Daiso

A colourful Japanese Disney melamine plate featuring repeating Mickey and Minnie Mouse illustrations, produced for Daiso Japan in the late 20th century.

This Disney melamine plate was produced in Japan for the Daiso retail chain during the late 1980s to 1990s, a period when Daiso released a wide range of licensed character tableware for everyday use. The plate features an all-over design of Mickey and Minnie Mouse in overlapping poses, printed in soft pastel tones of teal, mustard, and pink against a white background.

Manufactured from lightweight melamine, the plate reflects the popularity of durable, child-friendly tableware in Japan during this era. It is marked “DAISO ©Disney” and “Made in Japan,” confirming licensed production for the Japanese domestic market. Plates of this type were commonly sold as affordable household items rather than toys, but have since become collectible as examples of late 20th-century Disney ephemera.

The plate remains in excellent condition, with a glossy finish and no visible cracks, chips, or staining, making it a well-preserved example of Japanese Disney kitchenware.

Features

Measurements: 180 mm round x 25 mm high

Condition: Excellent no signs of use

Markings: “DAISO©Disney”, Made in Japan

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

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Made from the following materials

Hard plastic dolls and toys emerged as a significant innovation in the toy industry during the mid-20th century, revolutionizing the way dolls were designed and manufactured. Hard plastic is a type of thermoplastic, characterized by its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to breakage. This material became popular for creating dolls, action figures, and various toys due to its versatility and ability to hold intricate details and vibrant colors.

The development of hard plastic allowed for the mass production of toys that were not only affordable but also more resilient than earlier materials like composition or porcelain. As a result, manufacturers were able to produce a wide variety of designs, from classic baby dolls to trendy fashion figures, each with detailed facial features and movable limbs. This material also enabled the incorporation of new techniques, such as molded hair and painted eyes, which enhanced the realism and appeal of the dolls.

Among the earliest forms of hard plastic used in toy manufacturing was **Bakelite**, created in the early 1900s by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. Bakelite is one of the first synthetic plastics, made from phenol and formaldehyde. Its properties, including heat resistance and electrical insulation, made it ideal for various applications, including toys. While Bakelite itself is not commonly used in doll-making today, its introduction paved the way for the development of modern plastics in the toy industry.

**Catalin** is another early form of hard plastic that emerged in the 1930s and was often used for creating vibrant toys and dolls. Like Bakelite, Catalin is a thermosetting plastic known for its durability and ability to hold color well. Catalin toys often featured bright, translucent colors and intricate designs, capturing the imaginations of children and collectors alike.

As hard plastic became the standard for many types of dolls and toys, it solidified its place in the industry, leading to the creation of iconic brands and beloved characters. Today, hard plastic dolls and toys continue to be popular, appreciated for their longevity and the nostalgia they evoke. Collectors value vintage hard plastic toys for their craftsmanship and the unique place they hold in the history of toy making.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of hard plastic dolls and toys, highlighting their role in shaping the modern toy industry and their enduring appeal across generations.

Country:

Japan

Japan’s history of dolls and toys dates back to 8000 BC with dogu clay figures. From the elegant hina dolls of the Edo period to modern anime-inspired action figures and robotic toys, Japan has mastered the art of blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

Daiso is a Japanese variety retail company founded in 1977, best known for its wide range of affordable household goods, stationery, tableware, toys, and novelty items. Operating under the concept of providing practical, well-designed everyday products at low cost, Daiso became internationally recognised during the late 20th century as Japanese “100-yen shop” culture expanded globally. While many items were mass-produced, Daiso frequently collaborated with licensed brands and manufacturers, resulting in character-themed and decorative pieces that reflected contemporary trends in Japanese design. Vintage Daiso items from the 1980s and 1990s are now increasingly collected for their nostalgic value, quality of manufacture, and representation of everyday childhood and domestic life in late-Showa and early-Heisei Japan.

Produced by:

Daiso

The Walt Disney Company

Product Code:

H0003

Dimenions:

25(h)