Inexplicable flea market find of the weekend, this overly cute bank that is made to look like a Japanese-style toilet. My mom called me over to the flea market booth and said “look at this cute bank!” I said, “Um, that’s a toilet.” She said “What?!” But it is, Japanese style toilet… with a cute little girl. And a cat. Of course, I had to have it.
In case you are wondering how you use a Japanese-style toilet, you place one foot on either side, face the tank, and squat. Don’t fall down and don’t miss! If you are wearing pants, be careful! These toilets are rarer in Japan these days but you’ll still find them in some homes and public places. They flush like regular toilets. The little girl appears to be kneeling next to the toilet, her little feet are poking out the back of her dress. Is she waving? Trying to pet the cat? Too little to use the potty alone? Your guess is as good as mine.
See, it’s a bank! There’s a rubbery plug in the bottom for removing your money, but no marks whatsoever on this gem of an object.
If anyone is wondering about the slippers, some homes have special “toilet slippers” which are only worn in the bathroom. Step out of your regular house slippers, into your toilet slippers, use the bathroom, and make sure to change into your regular house slippers on the way out! No taking toilet slippers out of the bathroom! I’ve even seen these toilet slippers with “TOILET” written across the toes.
This is easily the most bizarre thing I’ve found all summer.
1.) Bank shaped like a Japanese toilet
2.) Found in the middle of nowhere in West Virginia
3.) Had a plastic fake 1cent coin inside
I have no idea where it came from, what it was doing here, WHY someone would make a bank shaped like a Japanese toilet, how old it is, or why somebody (other than me) would buy it… but… I’m sure glad I came across it, hahaha!
I should also add that this style of toilet is also used in other countries, I am assuming Japan here due to the cuteness of the the piece and the slippers, but it could come from any number of other places.
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Allee Willis
You know that I love your excellent documentation of the items that you post but this one is even more excellent because of the complete insanity of the item. And I’m so impressed with your knowledge of Japanese toilets! And especially your familiarity with toilet slippers.
I usually hate this style of ceramic; little girls or little boys with round puffy faces and two dots for eyes. But in this case it just adds to the madness.
I love that even the tiled floor is etched in and that there’s a little flower next to the toilet ensuring a fresh clean smell.
Maybe what’s killing me most is that there was a plastic fake one cent coin inside.
This is a toilet joy to behold!
k2dtw
WOW… I’ve learned so much, so glad you found this.
MyFunCloset
What a lucky find. I’m sure the seller didn’t realize just how many people would appreciate this most cherished kitsch poddy.
MyFunCloset
oops…potty.
Douglas Wood
Beyond bizarre. I love how her hand is raised as if she’s cheerfully greeting someone who stopped by to see her use the toilet.
denny
Thank you for helping me to understand the japanese toilets. This piece scares me.