The period between 1912 to 1949 in China was bookended by two of the biggest events in modern Chinese history: the overthrow of the imperial Manchu Qing Dynasty in February 1912, and the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949.
Prior to the establishment of the PRC however, China was known as the Republic of China (ROC). The Kuomintang (KMT) was the governing party and focused on being a modern Chinese republic with representative democracy on par with European governments of the time.
This focus on modernisation quickly led to massive changes to China’s political and economic outlook, day-to-day life, and social culture. Some policies adopted during this time included forbidding practices such as footbinding that were seen as old or outdated, increasing literacy rates, promoting traditional Confucian values, and rejecting Western capitalistic values.
Join us as we explore some of the Door of Hope dolls in the MINT Museum of Toys’ collection, and see what they can tell us about Republican China:
What are the Door of Hope Dolls?
Amidst the backdrop of unrest, upheaval, and turbulent change in the late Qing Dynasty and subsequent Republican China era, the Door of Hope Mission was set up in Shanghai in 1901. The Mission focused on uplifting the lives of Chinese girls and children in poverty.
Alongside classes in reading, writing, math, and hygiene, girls in the Mission were also taught handicraft skills. The Door of Hope dolls were thus started as a way to both help these girls practice their sewing skills, and give them paid training for a livelihood once they left the Mission.
Pictured: Boy in Woven Silk
Maker: Door of Hope Mission
Year of Make: 1920s-1930s
Material: Wood and Fabric
Country of Origin: China
Each Door of Hope doll exhibits exquisite handmade craftsmanship, with about 4 laborious weeks needed to complete each one. The doll heads and bodies are carved from Chinese pear wood, and each outfit could include up to five layers of detailed clothing reflecting real-life outfits. Intricate details were also included to make each doll true to life, such as authentic white cotton underwear that was worn at the time, or brocade silk fabrics such as those found on the Boy in Woven Silk.
Pictured: Buddhist Priest and Nun
Maker: Door of Hope Mission
Year of Make: 1920s-1930s
Material: Wood and Fabric
Country of Origin: China
Other dolls such as the Buddhist Priest and Nun were still dressed in high quality fabrics, but in a more modest style to accurately portray the timeless asceticism of the particular profession.
Occupations, Class, and Social Mobility
Pictured: Policeman
Maker: Door of Hope Mission
Year of Make: 1920s-1930s
Material: Wood and Fabric
Country of Origin: China
The Qing Dynasty (and much of Imperial China before it) was marked by a highly stratified social order. A focus on state-run bureaucracy allowed lower class social mobility through the Imperial Examinations; however this created a new ‘Elite’ class comprising high-ranking bureaucrats as well as existing elites whose power was left untouched.
When the monarchy was replaced by the representative government of the KMT during the Republican China era, it was seen as a new beginning for those hoping to move up in the world. Policies that encouraged literacy were implemented and new occupations such as being a Policeman with the Shanghai Municipal Police offered more options for middle-class livelihoods.
Daily Life and Changing Social Norms
Traditional Confucian values deeply informed social views on gender roles during this time. Its social structure prioritised women as homemakers and men as breadwinners, restricting the movement of upper-class women in particular regardless of their education or capabilities.
While the new Constition of Republican China did not explicitly mention gender equality, an early feminism movement now emerged with demands for suffrage and deeper involvement of women in society outside of the home.
Fashion, similar to hairstyles, changed to reflect the new progressive ideology of Republican China. Traditional and modern elements were blended together as a sign of the changing times; the one-piece qipao (or cheongsam) for example had its roots in traditional Manchu dress but became shorter, more form-fitting, and more revealing during this time as a result of influence by contemporary Western fashion.
Clothing also became an indicator of women’s struggle for freedom, with wenming xinzhuang (“civilised attire”) coming into fashion. This style was the latest variant of ancient Han Chinese clothing, and paired a cyan or blue jacket with a long dark skirt. It was simple, looser, and less restrictive than Qing Dynasty outfits – all necessary features for women venturing out into the working world.
Pictured: Young Man
Maker: Door of Hope Mission
Year of Make: 1920s-1930s
Material: Wood and Fabric
Country of Origin: China
Another notable change during this period was in men’s hairstyles. Men were required to wear their hair shaved in the front and kept in a long braid at the back; this ‘queue’ hairstyle was originally a traditional hairstyle for the Manchu people, but was quickly mandated once the Manchu Qing Dynasty came into power.
Keeping non-queue hairstyles was seen as defying the ruling Qing Dynasty, but at the same time the shaving of one’s head was seen as disrespectful to one’s parents under Confucian values. During the Republican China era many like this Young Man cut off their queues and embraced growing their hair out to symbolise the end of the monarchy, liberation from Manchu rule, and return to traditional Confucian values.
The Door of Hope dolls aren’t just decades-old vintage toys or remnants of a bygone era – they are a valuable window into the past that lets us peek into the social history of time. More Door of Hope dolls can also be seen in our Childhood Favourites toy exhibition on Level 3 of our museum, or in our Virtual Museum Tour.
The MINT Museum of Toys is kid–friendly and open to visitors of all ages, with interactive games and one-of-a-kind exhibitions on every floor. Pay our toy museum in Singapore a visit today and discover a side of times you’ve never seen before!
By the time World War II came to a close in 1945, Japan was undergoing socio-economic and physical upheaval across many of its major cities. Although the country had invaded many other countries during the war, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki towards the end of the war in particular devastated both Japan’s physical landscape and the morale of many of its citizens.
Join us as we travel through the first few decades of postwar Japan through some vintage collectible toys:
Occupied Japan
Pictured: Travelling Boy
Maker: Alps Shoji
Year of Make: 1945-1952
Material: Celluloid and Lithographed Tin
Country of Origin: Japan
From 1945 to 1952 Allied forces occupied and administered Japan as part of its postwar surrender, during which the country experienced much turmoil and rapid change in every aspect of daily and political life.
This vintage Travelling Boy is marked with a limited-edition “Made in Occupied Japan” label, making the toy extremely valuable today as a physical reminder of this short-lived period in modern Japanese history.
Notable events during this time included the Potsdam Declaration that called for Japan to become a parliamentary democracy; social and economic reforms similar to “New Deal” policies in 1930s USA; the passing of a new Constitution in 1947; and the holding of extensive military and war crimes tribunals.
Today the one thing people might remember from this era is Article 9 of the 1947 Constitution, commonly known as the “No War” clause. The clause demilitarised Japan and was a response to what people perceived as Japan being overly militaristic and aggressive during and in the years leading up to World War II.
The Constitution and other policies from this time also emphasised non-military industrial activity, both to demilitarise the country and create an economic bulwark against Communism in East Asia. It was only in 1954, after the Occupation had ended, that Japan began to experience an ‘economic miracle’ due to its supplying of munitions and logistics to US forces during the Korean War. Japan ultimately saw a return to pre-war production levels by 1950s as the country began to undergo mass industrialisation.
Economic Miracle and Emergence of the Anime Industry
Pictured: Tulip Robot
Maker: Nomura Toys
Year of Make: 1960s
Material: Plastic and Lithographed Tin
Country of Origin: Japan
From the 1950s and 1960s onwards Japan saw a shift towards new industrial developments with a focus on automobiles, electronics, ships, and machine tools. Notable Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, and Yamaha all rose to prominence during this time as liberal economic policies allowed these companies to ramp up production and broaden their local and international markets.
This was also considered the golden era of postwar Japanese toys – particularly for the brand Nomura Toys. Many toys made during this era such as the Tulip Robot bear the diamond-shaped “T.N.” logo of their parent company, and remain a testament to Nomura’s wide reach in the toy industry.
Following the company’s establishment in the late 1940s, Nomura quickly dominated the toy marketplace with colourful tin toys embodying the emerging concept of wakon-yosai, fusing Western thought with Japanese spirit. This led to toys like the Tulip Robot which blended Western science-fiction mainstays like lithographed tin robots with Japanese R&D innovation.
The Tulip Robot features a particularly strange mechanism when turned on. The robot advances slowly on both legs, before stopping; its head then flashes in bright lights before splitting open into three petal-like sections, leading to its ‘tulip’ name. The ‘petal’ reveal a rotating central ‘stalk’ with a triple lens ‘camera’ and a television monitor which depicts a lunar landscape – reflecting the Space Age aspirations of the day.
Pictured: Astro Boy on Flying Saucer
Maker: Tada Seisakusho
Year of Make: c. 1960s
Material: Vinyl and Lithographed Tin
Country of Origin: Japan
Japan’s emergence into the global toy and entertainment industries didn’t just stop with Nomura Toys. Many companies began to mass produce lithographed tin toys from the 1960s onwards, cashing in on the exponential growth of the country’s science fiction, anime, and manga industries.
Science fiction was highly popular as it helped creators explore and ask questions about the new state of Japanese society through a creative medium. The iconic monster movie Godzilla, for example, looked at issues surrounding post-nuclear devastation, whereas the emergence of the distinctive ‘dystopian-futuristic’ cyberpunk aesthetic between the 1960s to 1980s tackled fears and apprehensions surrounding the country’s rapid modernisation.
‘Mecha’ also began to emerge, putting a Japanese spin on traditional Western ideas of robots. Popular science-fiction anime and manga franchises such as Tetsujin 38-Go, Astro Boy, Mazinger Z, and Gundam all provided plenty of fodder for toymakers across the country, especially as these franchises began to gain international popularity.
Notable creators from this era included Astro Boy’s Osamu Tezuka and Akira’s Katsuhiro Otomo – names that are still said with reverence amongst fans to this day.
See More at our Toy Museum in Singapore
Vintage and old school toys such as the ones highlighted above provide a valuable window of insight into our past, leaving us reminders and lessons that we can apply to our present and future.
Pay a visit to the MINT Museum of Toys to see more postwar Japanese toys and other toys from all over the world across our various collections. Blast off to the stars in Outerspace, take a look at priceless toys and memorabilia in Collectables, see our Stairwell Collection dedicated to Astroboy, and more!
Our toy museum in Singapore is open to visitors of all ages, and isn’t just a children’s museum. Join us today to see the world through the lens of toys or book a virtual museum tour to enjoy selected collections from the comfort of home.
The Steinbach Volkskunst company originated in Marienberg, Germany, over 200 years ago. Like other companies founded in the Erzgebirge region, Steinbach has become synonymous with a long tradition of German handcrafting, quality materials, and precise attention to detail. Today, the brand’s traditionally-made nutcrackers continue to dazzle children and collectors worldwide and keep the Steinbach manufacturing legacy alive.
Why are Steinbach Nutcrackers so popular?
Steinbach nutcrackers are a highly sought-after item today due to their distinctly German design, high-quality craftsmanship, and premium materials. The company’s Erzgebirge roots also give it a distinct prestige, as Erzgebirge toys bear a recognisable look that has remained relatively unchanged since the region’s rise in the toymaking industry in the late 1700s. Many have also regarded Steinbach nutcrackers as a Christmastime tradition, especially with the popularity of Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet in its various media forms.
Finally, after the original owners of Steinbach filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and subsequently reopened by new management in 2016, pre-2016 designs have become a famous collector’s item amongst enthusiasts. Some of these pre-bankruptcy collections in high demand today include the “Nutcrackers Suite” Series, the “Horror Legends” Series, and the “Famous Chieftains” Series that we’ll be highlighting today.
Discovering the Steinbach Nutcracker “Famous Chieftains” Series
The “Famous Chieftains” Series was released in the 1990s to celebrate and honour real and notable leaders of Native American tribes. The series was designed exclusively for Kurt S. Adler Inc. and manufactured at Steinbach’s factory in Germany.
Three different designs were included in the series – Chief Sitting Bull, Chief Red Cloud, and Chief Black Hawk – with a limited run of several thousand pieces per design. Each nutcracker is dressed in the traditional outfit of their respective tribe, including ceremonial feather headdresses and weapons.
Maker: Steinbach
Year of Make: 1991
Material: Wood
Country of Origin: Germany
Chief Sitting Bull (1831-1890) was the leader of the Sioux Nation from 1834-1890. He was known for uniting members of the Sioux Nation against invading white settlers, mainly through the Great Sioux Wars culminating in the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn. The Battle of Little Bighorn resulted in a victory of the Native tribes against General Custer, leading it to remain in the American mythos ever since as a reminder of the strength and tenacity of Native Americans. Visitors to the MINT Museum of Toys can see a genuine and authentic Chief Sitting Bull Nutcracker on display in the Level 2 Collectables collection. Located on Row 20 Shelf 1, it is part of a special sub-collection curated by our museum’s founder.
Chief Red Cloud (1822-1909) led the Oglala Lokata from 1868-1909. He was regarded as a skilful warrior and leader of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and North Arapaho peoples during Red Cloud’s War. His most significant military victory was during the Fetterman Fight of 1866, which was the worst military disaster experienced by the US Army at the time until Little Bighorn a decade later.
Finally, Chief Black Hawk (1767-1838) was a leader and warrior of the Sauk peoples who came to be regarded as a chief after leading several successful raiding and war parties. He notably led Sauk, Meskwaki, and Kickapoo peoples in the Black Hawk War against US settlers in 1832. Black Hawk did not originally intend for the campaign to turn into an armed conflict and hoped to instead reclaim the land that had been seized by the US. However, when US forces responded with fire, it escalated into a brutal battle culminating in the 1832 Bad Axe Massacre.
Seeing History in a New Light through Toys
Vintage toys such as the Steinbach Nutcrackers aren’t just ornaments or playthings – they also pass on valuable stories about history, heritage, and social issues. Through our various toy collections and seasonal exhibitions that touch on such concerns, the MINT Museum of Toys uncovers new ways for visitors to discover aspects of culture and history they might not have learned about in school.
Take a peek into a one-of-a-kind window into the past when you visit the MINT Museum of Toys, sign up for our interactive and engaging museum tours in Singapore, or go on our XperienceAR Museum quest with Le Petit Prince. Our unique exhibitions of toys, memorabilia, collectables, and more truly make us one of the best museums in Singapore to visit if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience like no other. Check out our blog for more behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, or contact us to find out more!
The MINT Museum Of Toys isn’t just a museum in Singapore that houses an extensive collection of toys and memorabilia from around the world. They’ve also combined these classic toys with cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology into children’s books that teach kids important values through interesting short stories. Find out more about their AR story books for kids and the fantastical tales contained within.
Learn about Classic Toys using cutting-edge AR technology
The Augmented Reality Story-colouring Book series is made for kids ages 4-12, to foster creative and interactive learning and development. Each book costs $25 (before GST) and the experience is enhanced with the use of the Xperience AR app, to give families an opportunity to immerse themselves into the fantasy worlds within. The story books are all in English.
The series currently comprises 4 different storylines based on toy collections featured in the MINT Museum of Toys, and featuring the same toys you can see in the museum. While the museum is currently under renovation, you can visit their main website to see the different collections and range of toys to look forward to. The short stories teach children about the toys in the museum’s collections, while also highlighting essential life values. Children can colour in the characters and use AR technology to watch them come to life – creating unique opportunities for bonding with the whole family.
Dive into Short Stories about Singapore and more with AR
Credit: MINT Museum Of Toys
If there’s one title you should try first, it’s A Singaporean’s Dream featuring toys from the museum’s Collectables collection. This book gives kids an immersive glimpse into Singapore’s past – all from the comfort and convenience of home. Instead of having to walk through a crowded museum, the whole family can explore facets of Singapore’s history through AR technology.
Parents can also engage with their children on the topics covered in the short story, opening up opportunities to retell family tales and traditions while you learn about the toys in the scenes. Go beyond the story book and get your little ones even more interested with some old school Singaporeans toys like Kuti-Kuti that you can buy from the museum’s online MINT Shop.
Credit: MINT Museum Of Toys
Other titles in the series are The Martian in The Sky, featuring toys from the Outerspace collection; The Super Puppy in Me, featuring toys from the Characters collection; and The Grizzly Bear’s New Home, featuring toys from the Childhood Favourites collection.
Bond over classic Toys using new Technology with the whole family
To experience the AR story books for yourself, download the XperienceAR app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store to purchase the respective short story. Print the colouring pages out, or view them on a handphone or tablet – once you scan the pages with the app, you can watch the colourful characters come to life.
With so many children’s books available in Singapore today, this series sets itself apart using its AR technology. The AR adds an interesting dimension to a regular kids book, and allows children to learn from the comfort of home. Find out more about the books on the MINT Museum Of Toys website, and register as a member with the MINT Museum of Toys today to stay tuned for more announcements on their grand reopening.
Take a walk through the heart of Singapore’s city centre and you’ll stumble across a mini museum featuring something truly unique: a collection of over 8,500 valuable vintage toys and collectibles! The MINT Museum of Toys first opened its doors in 2007, and was envisioned by founder and avid toy collector Mr Chang Yang Fa as a space for visitors to reminisce about their childhood through both familiar and new toys from over 40 countries.
Apart from showcasing interesting vintage toys – some of which date back to the 1840s! – the Museum also provides Singaporeans with an opportunity to learn about the world through the lens of toys by hosting creative and collaborative pop-up events. Their Guerrilla events are open to any creatives interested in celebrating the unique local culture of Singapore, as well as shining a light on the intriguing world of vintage toys and collectibles.
Get in touch with the museum for more information about their venue rental options, or keep reading to find out more about some of their previous Guerrilla pop-up events:
1. Back in 公 Kong’s time
[Photo from – https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWySm5hGTx/ ]
In 2018, the Museum held the ‘Back in 公 Kong’s time’ pop-up event in collaboration with SG/MY Advertising Collectors Forum, a group of vintage collectibles enthusiasts. The event gave Singaporeans a chance to dive into traditional ‘kampong’ nostalgia with memorabilia from the 1930s to 1960s, featuring toys, collectables, and nostalgic old-school local delights. Not only did this give collectors a chance to show off their hard-found collectibles and rarities, but visitors could learn valuable lessons about an era of Singapore different from the fast-paced modern city of today.
[Photo from – https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqjwr62hVNp/ ]
Members of the Forum showed off their personal tin can collectibles including vintage tin cans from brands such as Milo and Milkmaid, allowing visitors to marvel at just how much things have changed (as well as stayed the same). Organisers also shared the stories behind each piece, and visitors dined on a special 公 Kong’s dinner set packed into a vintage-style mini three-tiered tiffin carrier!
2. The Adventures Of Tintin: The Hunt For The Rare Toy
[Photo from – https://www.instagram.com/p/BoLNVEsB9fT/ ]
Eager to host your own pop-up event but don’t have a collection of your own to showcase? Don’t worry because you can make use of the Museum’s own expansive vintage toy collection instead! The ‘The Adventures Of Tintin: The Hunt For The Rare Toy’ pop-up revolved around the Museum’s authentic Tintin collectibles and the stories behind them. Visitors dove into the Tintin stories behind four featured toys and learnt a little more about this beloved comic book character. Participants even ended the night with a fun trivia quiz about Tintin and his friends!
With shelves full of Steiff bears, pre-World War II robots, Looney Tunes collectibles and more at your disposal, just imagine how exciting your corporate events or private parties could be! Get in touch with us today to find out how you can organise your own ‘treasure hunt’ or trivia game night at our Museum.
3. Nostalgic Singapore Toys: Your Childhood and Mine
Keep your eyes peeled for limited-time special exhibitions too. The ‘Nostalgic Singapore Toys: Your Childhood and Mine’ pop-up event was organised in 2018 to celebrate National Day, where museumgoers could try their hand at old and familiar childhood games as well as check out vintage toys made in Singapore. The event wasn’t just a showcase of toys such as chapteh or five stones but had interactive game booths that visitors could engage with too. The sky’s the limit when you’re at the MINT Museum of Toys – where the whole family can play and have fun together!
Experience exciting pop-up events at the MINT Museum of Toys
Whether you’re a creative person trying to showcase your interests or just looking for a new place to hold your corporate excursion, reach out to us to find out how you can hold your own unique and unforgettable pop-up event at the MINT Museum of Toys. Our event spaces are all available for private venue rentals and booking, so enquire with us today about opportunities to experience the wondrous world of vintage toys and collectibles.
With the rise of technologically innovative creations, the possibilities of new products are simply endless. For instance, the immersive experience that augmented reality offers still serves to impress, but have you ever heard of story-colouring books with that sort of technology?
Take a look at the first-ever augmented reality story-colouring books created by Singapore’s MINT Museum of Toys! Designed with the hope of bringing the technological capabilities of augmented reality and the childlike wonder of story-colouring books together, this innovative product is one that you should definitely know more about.
Augmented reality story-colouring books: A brief introduction
This creation by Singapore’s only toy museum features four separate story-colouring books, with each book featuring different toys. These toys are actually on display in MINT Museum of Toys itself; so, why not pay a visit to the museum afterwards to see these toys up close, too?
The best part? These books displaying short stories are an invention that can be enjoyed by all ages! For those with little ones, it’s a wonderful way of keeping them entertained and occupied. Besides, the material is pretty educational (see Book 1: A Singaporean’s Dream) and enriching (where you’ll learn about the values of perseverance, bravery, and self-love).
For adults, the colouring element can be quite therapeutic as you reminisce about simpler times. Plus, the immersive quality of augmented reality offers a new way of revisiting childhood memories and children’s books; in short, these short stories are fun for the whole family! Not to mention, it’s entertainment on-the-go that can be enjoyed from the convenience of your smart device.
Book 1: A Singaporean’s Dream featuring the museum’s Collectables Toy Collection on Level 2
First, take a walk down memory lane with the first story-colouring book to launch in this series! Titled A Singaporean’s Dream, this Singapore short story features the MINT Museum of Toys’ Collectables exhibition, with toys like the Travelling Boy, Sailor in Rickshaw, and Fleissige Kulis (Busy Coolies).
History lessons no longer have to be boring thanks to this educational experience! A Singaporean’s Dream traces Singapore’s history from a kampung and trading port to the busy metropolis that it is today.
You get the insight of how much Singapore has overcome since the early 20th century; and, you get the added benefit of immersing yourself in the world, through augmented reality, of what Singapore looked like back then! Basically, you’re getting a glimpse into a world defined by villages, rickshaw riders, and trading ports that are long-gone in today’s developed city.
Book 2: The Super Puppy in Me featuring the museum’s Childhood Favourites Toy Collection on Level 3
Titled The Super Puppy in Me, the second book in the series teaches you to never give up on your dreams. Reminiscent of the titular character from Disney’s ‘Bolt’, the Snowy Puppy character in this short story perseveres with his goal of becoming a superhero like Batman Robot.
Being a tiny puppy, Snowy Puppy faces many initial obstacles at first in the form of mockery from neighbourhood pets. However, after witnessing Yogi Bear in need of rescue from a group of poachers, Snowy Puppy realises his worth and the superhero that was in him all along to rescue Yogi Bear.
Book 3: The Grizzly Bear’s New Home featuring the museum’s Characters Toy Collection on Level 4
The third book in this series is one that will surely tug at your heartstrings. Titled The Grizzly Bear’s New Home, this short story will teach you about the value of not changing yourself in order to fit in — that the right people will come along and accept you for who you are.
Follow Grizzly Bear as he journeys to find a new home after his cave is destroyed in a forest fire. After failing to befriend Sea View Hotel Chef and The Drummer due to his ferocious appearance, he manages to find solace in Small Girl’s company who embraces his warm and cuddly nature.
Book 4: The Martian in the Sky featuring the museum’s Outerspace Toy Collection on Level 5
The final story-colouring book, The Martian in the Sky, is all about letting your imagination run wild in outer space! Featuring toys from the museum’s Outerspace collection, hop on a journey in a Moon Rocket XM-12 to space as Tom, a young boy, and a Hook Robot forge an unlikely friendship with a Martian Invader.
Witness a dazzling galaxy of mesmerising stars and planets come to life and learn all about the value of friendship from unlikely places in this augmented reality story.
How to download these augmented reality story-colouring books?
The XperienceAR App is your gateway to these marvellous short story-colouring books, and is available for download for both iOS and Android. (It can even be downloaded on both smartphones and tablets!)
After purchasing the augmented reality story-colouring books on the app, you’ll be given lifetime access to these digital books, which contain both the colouring and story pages.
- Download the XPerience App on the App Store or Google Play by scanning the QR code above.
- Launch the app and fill in the login details.
- Select MINT Museum of Toys.
- Tap on the AR story book that you wish to buy.
- Make your purchase in the App Store or Play Store.
- Tap ‘Step 1: Digital Book’ to get the PDF version of the story-colouring book emailed to you.
- Print all pages of the PDF book on A4 sheets and colour in the characters.
- Tap ‘Step 2: AR Experience’ and scan each of the coloured characters.
- To watch how augmented reality makes these characters come to life, scan each page of the story and ensure your audio is on to listen to the audio storybook.
- Tap the pencil icon to transform the characters in the story to the ones that you’ve coloured in yourself!
Discover the world of augmented reality
Are you ready to experience childhood favourites in this immensely novel way? If yes, then purchase these augmented reality story-colouring books created by Singapore’s first-ever toy museum today!
Get ready for a truly unique experience at the MINT Museum of Toys as we launch our second GUERRILLA event in collaboration with the prestigious online luxury boutique, My Grandfather’s Things. Following the immense success of our first pop-up experiences event during the 2022 Christmas season, we are thrilled to present GUERRILLA Featuring: My Grandfather’s Things, an extraordinary celebration of rare, vintage, luxury Chanel and Hermes handbags.
Running from 30 June to 31 October 2023, this event promises an exquisite blend of shopping, exhibition, photo-taking, screenings, and delectable F&B concepts that will captivate luxury bag enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Why is a Toy Museum hosting a Pop-Up on Luxury Handbags?
You might wonder why a toy museum is venturing into the realm of exhibiting luxury Chanel and Hermes handbags. Well, here at the MINT Museum of Toys, we believe that it’s the small, everyday item – be it a Mickey Mouse toy or a well-loved handbag – that has the power to reflect larger changes in society. These material goods provide us with a lens through which we can discuss larger ideas around uniqueness, craftsmanship, and the allure of luxury fashion.
This collaboration with My Grandfather’s Things, in particular, is a tribute to the beauty and history of rare vintage luxury bags and our attempt to foster kinship between professional and beginner collectors in Singapore. We want to offer our visitors an unconventional shopping experience that marries the worlds of retail and curation, where you can explore, appreciate, and share knowledge on the history behind these secondhand treasures.
Unveiling the Elegance of Vintage Chanel and Hermes Bags
My Grandfather’s Things has truly curated a spectacular collection that showcases the evolution of luxury fashion over the decades.
During the grand opening from 30 June to 2 July 2023, visitors could see, learn about, and even opt to purchase around 60 vintage bags from Chanel and Hermes. Discontinued styles and colourways of iconic Chanel bags like the Diana and Kelly from the 1980s to the 2000s were on display, accompanied by the founder of My Grandfather’s Things who was on hand to provide unique details and insights about the bags. Through bridging the gap between traditional exhibitions and retail events, the MINT Museum of Toys continues to reimagine what shopping could become if we valued knowledge, style, and community building in the process.
Though the retail aspect of the exhibition has ended, the pop-up isn’t over just yet! From now till 31 October 2023, pop-up visitors can look forward to seeing around 18 vintage Chanel Diana handbags. These bags were specifically produced between 1986 to 1996 and display all the hallmarks of Chanel’s high-value production quality. From leathers to hardware, soak up all the small details that encapsulate why the Diana has remained so popular for literal decades on end.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or totally new to the world of luxury handbags, this exhibition caters to all. Immerse yourself in a close-up experience, and discover the stories behind these timeless pieces.
Prepare for an Experience Unlike Any Other
Join the MINT Museum of Toys for an unforgettable journey through the history and allure of vintage luxury bags. Secure your tickets now for this extraordinary GUERRILLA Featuring: My Grandfather’s Things event, and step into a botanical-themed space where luxury and timeless elegance seamlessly combine.
Let the allure of your favourite vintage Chanel luxury handbags whisk you away to a world of timeless elegance. Book your GUERRILLA event tickets today and embark on an enchanting voyage with us through the world of luxury fashion.
Collectors interested in collaborating on unique, daring, and boundary-pushing pop-up exhibition displays in Singapore can get in touch to find out more about UNBOX: A Private Space for Creative Pop-Up Events, and Guerrilla: A Unique Space for Creative Collabs in Singapore.
Science fiction fans might be familiar with the trope of the ‘Space Cowboy’ – an intergalactic adventurer who explores cosmic unknowns, gets into wild adventures, and has dramatic romances. Names such as Han Solo and Captain Kirk are popularly associated with this trope and they can trace their roots back to the 1920s and 30s, when the world was introduced to a character named Buck Rogers for the first time.
Buck Rogers made his debut in the 1928 novella Armageddon 2419 A.D. by author Philip Francis Nowlan. World War I veteran Rogers is thrown into a state of suspended animation for 492 years during a workplace incident, emerging in the year 2419. After Rogers awakes he is rescued by a group of rebels and is thrown head-first into adventures throughout this technologically-advanced new world.
The novella was successful and quickly followed by sequels and adaptations into other formats including a syndicated comic strip (1929-67), radio series (1932-47), serial film (1939), and TV series (1950-51). The character would later be revived in the 1970s with a 1979 film and a prime-time TV series (1979-1981).
Rogers was a key character in establishing the Space Western or Space Opera genres, which would later inspire works including Star Wars, Star Trek, Dune, Halo, Mass Effect, Power Rangers, and Battlestar Galactica. Tributes and parodies have also appeared in works including Looney Tunes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Futurama.
Book your tickets to the MINT Museum of Toys today to explore more vintage toys, collectibles, and memorabilia from around the world!
What is Space Opera?
Space Opera is a play on the term ‘soap opera’, and refers to epic works set in space rife with empires, civilizations, intrigue, battles, and drama. Similar to soap operas, Space Operas require a romantic element – hence the trope of a dashing, charismatic leading man who has a tumultuous (sometimes unsuccessful) romance with an equally gorgeous leading lady. Think Han Solo and Princess Leia, or Star-Lord and Gamora (The Guardians of the Galaxy).
Space Opera’s melodramatic and campy tone, thriller elements, and dramatic romances set it apart from traditional science fiction of the mid-1900s, and was a more ‘fun’ alternative that quickly captured the public’s imagination.
Impact on Pop Culture
Buck Rogers was a boundary-pushing publication when the newspaper strips were first printed in the 1920s, and popularised ‘space exploration’ as a possibility for the wider science fiction genre.
This was still several decades before the moon landing in 1969, and the Space Race wouldn’t even begin till the 1950s. Rogers’ adventures through the stars were truly a form of speculative fiction, setting valuable groundwork for future pop culture mainstays.
Devices such as jet airplanes and walkie talkies coined in the original 1928 novella have even become reality today – and with recent space technology advancements such as the Mars Rovers, intergalactic travel for humans might even be achieved one day.
Maker: John Dille Co.
Year of Make: 1936
Material: Leather, Fabric, Metal
Country of Origin: United States of America
To capitalise on the success of the franchise, companies such as John Dille Co. (which syndicated the comic strips) produced a wide range of toys and merchandise. This includes everyday items like the Buck Rogers School Bag, to novel vintage toy ‘ray guns’ modelled after Rogers’ own iconic Rocket Pistols. Rogers’ ray gun has inspired other iconic space weapons throughout the years including Han Solo’s DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol (which has heavy visual similarities to Rogers’ XZ-38 Disintegrator).
Discover more at the MINT Museum of Toys
Book a virtual museum tour today to explore more valuable vintage toys from the comfort of home. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on our collections and exhibitions, or book your tickets today to see more Buck Rogers vintage toys and memorabilia in person!
Defined as the period beginning after the first nuclear weapon detonation test in New Mexico in July 1945, the Atomic Age refers to the first large-scale use of nuclear technology and its consequences on geopolitics, sociopolitical thinking, and technological advancement.
While we are technically still in the Atomic Age today, many use the term to cover only up to the 1970s and 80s when the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl disasters occurred.
Due to the grim origins of the Atomic Age in the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki the post-war attitude towards nuclear technology was mixed. The rise of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) amidst the Cold War and ensuing arms race also contributed to fears of potential global nuclear devastation.
At the same time, nuclear technology held lots of promise for fields including medicine and engineering. Some everyday appliances that were developed or use nuclear technology include X-ray radiography, radiation therapy for cancer and other illnesses, industrial gauges for measurements and construction, and smoke detectors.
These rapid changes throughout society and pop culture can be seen through the mundane – toys, memorabilia, and merchandise. With the post-war explosion of mass media and consumer culture in the West, there is no shortage of valuable vintage toys that tell us of the concerns of the time.
Book your tickets to the MINT Museum of Toys today to explore even more vintage toys, collectibles, and memorabilia from around the world!
1. Buck Rogers Chemical Laboratory
Maker: Gropper Mfg. Co.
Year of Make: c. 1950s
Material: Plastic
Country of Origin: United States of America
The advent of nuclear energy led to mass excitement over technological progress, with optimism that spread to other areas of science and technology. Technological achievements during the Atomic Age included color TV (1951), modern solar cells (1954), velcro (1955), cellphone (1973), and digital camera (1975).
This positive attitude was reflected in toys like this Buck Rogers Chemical Laboratory vintage science set which included chemicals like Aluminum Sulfate, Tonic Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Ferric Ammonium, Phenolphthalein, and Sodium Thiosulphate. An accompanying instruction booklet included detailed experiments that could be carried out at home.
2. Atom Ant
Maker: Kohner Bros. Inc.
Year of Make: c. 1965
Material: Plastic
Country of Origin: Hong Kong
Many creators turned to popular culture and the creative arts to express their mixed feelings about nuclear science, especially through the trope of the “mutant”. The USA and Japan were affected by World War II in vastly different ways, and this was reflected in their respective creations of the time.
American characters like Atom Ant (toy pictured), Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, Spider-man, and the X-Men represented the positive potential of nuclear technology, resulting in superheroes with enhanced or fantastical powers.
Conversely, Japanese creations like Godzilla reflected darker concerns over nuclear destruction. The first Godzilla movie was released less than 10 years after World War II, and depicts a mutant beast destroying Tokyo with its “atomic breath”. Other works like Barefoot Gen discussed the consequences of nuclear war more directly, and this era was also when common themes of resilience, anti-war idyllicism, and ‘lost’ childhood began to appear in Japanese media.
3. Atom Ray Gun
Maker: Hiller
Year of Make: c. 1940s
Material: Metal
Country of Origin: United States of America
Many companies began to attach ‘Atom’ or ‘Atomic’ onto their product names to reflect a widespread consciousness about the power of the atom. This was inspired by general excitement about nuclear technology, and included science fiction toys like this Atom Ray Gun, but also ideas about atomic rays that could disintegrate people or even destroy worlds (e.g. James Bond villains with bright-red lasers, or the Death Star in Star Wars).
Rediscover History through Vintage Toys at the MINT Museum of Toys
Vintage and contemporary toys alike are powerful mirrors of the social mores and attitudes of the era they were created in. Apart from being fun playthings for children, toys are also valuable cultural artifacts that allow us to see the world through the lens of people from decades or even centuries ago.
Our vintage toy collection is now available via our virtual museum tours. Explore 2 permanent exhibitions – Collectables and Childhood Favourites – through over 100 interactive touchpoints, all from the comfort of your home.
For many people, the concepts of “toys” and “war” seem utterly antithetical to each other, with the fun and joy of the former at odds with the violence and cruelty of the latter. However, for most children throughout history, these two concepts have traditionally been deeply intertwined due to ongoing conflicts that could last their lifetime.
There is even a sub-genre of toys referred to as ‘war toys’, which include toy soldiers, toy tanks, toy guns, and the like. These are usually visual representations of military might and have received criticism for promoting aggression and violence. On the other hand, some toys have been made during war to represent aspects of it without being seen as violent – for example, nurse figurines.
Join us as we examine some valuable vintage toys in the MINT Museum of Toys’ collection to see what they can tell us about children’s lives during the 2nd World War.
1. Mickey Mouse German Airplane
Maker: Tippco
Year of Make: c. 1940s
Material: Lithographed Tin
Country of Origin: Germany
One of the most memorialised events of World War II was the Blitz, a German campaign carried out against the United Kingdom that involved the bombardment of towns, cities, and industrial targets between 1940-1941. The attack resulted in hundreds of thousands of children being evacuated to the English countryside for their safety.
Playing amongst reminders of war became a daily occurrence, such as shrapnel hunting in bombed-out sites. War-themed toys and games also became a way to help children process what was happening. Ironically, while a toy such as this Mickey Mouse German Airplane might have frightened British children as a memory of the Blitz, it was seen as a symbol of triumph and power by German children in its country of origin.
Learn more about vintage Mickey Mouse memorabilia or the story behind Tippco’s die-cast toys and how Nazis took over Philip Ullman’s Jewish-owned company during World War II.
2. Hitler Pin Cushion
Maker: Bassons Dummy Products
Year of Make: c. 1941
Material: Plastic and Fabric
Country of Origin: United States of America
Toys weren’t just visual representations of what was going on – they could also be powerful and provocative propaganda for constructing larger meta-narratives about good, evil, and who’s considered the Enemy or the Other.. For example, this Hitler Pin Cushion mocked Hitler and raised morale amongst Americans back home even as the war was going on in Europe. Sales of the toy even helped to support the war effort overseas.
3. Shingun Soldier
Maker: Masudaya
Year of Make: c.1930s
Material: Celluloid
Country of Origin: Japan
Vintage toys are also valuable in helping us understand the lives of children during the Pacific War. This Shingun Soldier wears an outfit typical of the Japanese Military during the 1930s, which would have been a familiar, yet painful, sight to children in Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia during the war years. The attitude of the invading Japanese was that they needed to ‘civilise’ the local population, and a main avenue for this was through the country’s youth and children. Local children were made to learn Japanese, sing the Japanese national anthem, and even follow a Japanese school curriculum that could include traditional Japanese sports and arts such as judo. Some were also required to join Japanese associations, with the idea being that consistent exposure to ideals of Japanese superiority would eventually lead to re-education of a young pro-Japanese population.
See Old Toys in a New Light at the MINT Museum of Toys
Toys are a way for children (and even adults) to process and understand the world around them, so it’s no surprise that they gained a new significance during tumultuous times such as World War II. Beyond having fun, toys communicate particular messages, offer reassurance, create propaganda, and craft larger narratives about wartime events and experiences.
Visit the MINT Museum of Toys to see more valuable and historic vintage toys, including toys related to the Battle for Singapore. We also offer virtual museum tours you can enjoy from the comfort of your home and an AR-aided experiential museum learning activity when you visit our premises in Singapore!