January Artifact of the Month:
Mickey Mouse Tea Set

January 6, 2023

Written by Katie Basham, Exhibit Technician

When you think of famous cartoon characters, who or what comes to mind? For many people, it’s Mickey Mouse and his pals! Mickey has been one of the most recognized cartoon characters worldwide since his 1928 debut in Steamboat Willie. There are oodles of toys and memorabilia with his likeness in the designs. Collectors refer to these items as “Disneyana.” The nearly 100-year-old tea set on exhibit from Turtles Bay’s permanent collection was made in Japan and is a perfect example of Disneyana. As one of the very first toys to be produced with licensed pictures of Mickey Mouse, it is incredibly unique. 

In the 1930s, business was booming for the Disney Brothers, and they quickly capitalized on the success of Walt Disney’s cartoon shorts and comic strips by building an entire empire around Mickey Mouse. A large part of their business success was due to the commercialization of Mickey and Minnie; the very first item produced with Mickey on it was a pencil tablet for school children. After Walt and Roy Disney realized there were profits to be made from merchandise, they signed a contract with George Borgfeldt & Company to produce more toys and goods. This is about when our tea set was produced, along with some key Mickey Mouse items still produced today, including dolls, watches, and trains.

To get the full history of this item and other famous Disneyana, come into the museum and check this artifact out in the lobby. See ya real soon!