Enchanting ceramic figurines made by Muriel Joseph George have captivated collectors since World War II. Originally made to fill the empty hours while her husband was away at war, they soon became a means for Murial to express her love of children, families, animals, and all things bright and beautiful. For more than 40 years--until 1985--new "Josef Originals" models were produced by the company she started, most designed by Murial herself. This new book contains full-color photographs of almost 700 Josef Originals never before published, including many that collectors never knew existed. No...

The original designer of Josef Originals, Muriel Joseph George, is introduced for the first time through family photographs and interviews with family members. This book gives valuable insight into the life and times of this talented artist through written historical accounts depictions of her work. Josef Originals have long since been favored by collectors as they explode with color and sparkle with life. Unique designs of dogs, cats, people, and more are featured throughout this book, making it a wholly enjoyable collector's guide. This is new information Josef enthusiasts have been seeking...

Ceramic figurines of beautiful and romantic young women were made in hundreds of different poses and costumes by Josef Originals. This all-color illustrated, revised and expanded edition follows the art of California ceramicist Mauriel Josef George from 1945 through 1985 with over 700 color photographs. Also included for the first time are photos of Applause figurines next to the matching earlier figurines, and never before published catalog images from the authors private collection. From the relatively common to the rare, this book is an essential reference for anyone with an interest in...