Brinn's China-Glassware Co.
Founded by Samuel I. Brinn in the early 50's, the Pittsburgh-based company stayed under the management of the Brinn family. In its beginnings, Brinn's was a wholesaler of art ware, dinnerware, figures, garden pottery, jardinières, premiums, teapots, glassware, ovenware, novelties and various ceramic and glass accessories. By 1959, the company distributed ceramic and brass imports from Japan and England. Two decades later, under the operation of president Charles Brinn and vice president David M. Brinn, the company was listed as ian importer of ceramic figurines, animals, novelties, dinnerware, stainless steel, and dolls.

Ceramic Arts Studio
In 1941, Lawrence Rabbit and Reuben Sand launched Ceramic Arts Studio as a manufacturer of china figures, art ware, and florists' ware. The company, which used the clays of its native Madison, Wisconsin, commissioned celebrated designer Betty Harrington to decorate its large line of elegant animals and figurines. Ceramic Arts Studio remained a leading manufacturer until Sand decided to sell the business in 1955, and the company moved to Japan. In the Pacific island nation, Ceramic Arts Studio reintroduced many of the manufacturer's original items. While such copies have caused confusion over the actual origin of some Ceramic Arts Studio pieces, it is important to remember that the American-made versions feature a Ceramic Arts Studio Madison Wisconsin © and usually carry the figurine name as well.

Enesco Corporation
One of the largest head vase manufacturers in the world, Enesco was founded in 1959 by Eugene Freedman. Originally operating a small plastics and figurine company in Milwaukee, Freedman soon joined a Chicago-based import company, which had spun off of a prominent wholesale merchandising operation, N. Shure Co., the name of which morphed into N.S. Co.—and ultimately, Enesco. The company began by marketing Southeast Asian giftware out of its modest Elk Grove, IL facilities; by the 80s, Enesco had expanded its presence throughout the U.S., and into Canada, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, and Europe. Most designs of Enesco head vases were made by Japanese pottery makers and are marked exclusively with paper labels.

Holt Howard Associates, Inc.
Holt Howard was established in 1949 in Stamford, Connecticut with John W. Howard as president and George A. Stickney as sales manager. Importing everything from ashtrays and coffee mugs to tableware and casserole decorations, the company was acquired in 1969 by General Housewares Corp. By this time, the manufacturer, which comprised of Holt Howard International and Holt Howard Canada Ltd, designed and distributed such items as imported coffee mugs,
canisters, and high-end Christmas decorations. Identifiable by three distinct "Double H" marks, Holt Howard has since expanded its production to include head vase planters, ceramics, gourmet cookware, trivets, and other kitchenware.

INARCO
Founded by Irwin Garber in 1960, International Art ware Corporation—
better known as INARCO—beganproduction in Cleveland, Ohio. A designer by trade, Garber had a penchant for the artistic side of figurines; indeed, his own wife, Roselle, is believed to have been a model for a number of the company's head vases. In its beginnings, the company imported ceramic and glass floral containers and giftware. In 1986, INARCO moved to Jacksonville, Florida, after it was purchased by Japanese giftware distributor, Napco. While many stamps were used by INARCO, the company's head vases usually featured one of three main designs: one reading "Cleve Ohio", one marked "Japan", and one with a globe featured prominently.

The Geo. Zoltan Lefton Co.
A native of Hungary, George Zoltan Lefton was a sportswear designer and manufacturer in that country before coming to the United States in 1939. In his new home, Lefton turned his attention to ceramics. He founded Lefton China, importing ceramic giftware from Asia and soon assuming a new nickname: "The China King." Originally produced in Japan, Lefton head vases were imported from the 50s to the 70s, with their popularity peaking in the 60s. The company's head vases were made by Maruri, a manufacturer that was originally located in Japan but later established factories in Taiwan, Mexico, and Malaysia. Gradually over the years, The George Zoltan Lefton Co. expanded its imports from Japan to Taiwan, Korea, Mexico, England, Italy, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Lefton China eventually emerged solely as a wholesaler, distributing products to gift stores and department stores.

Lego Imports-Goldman Morgan
Lego Imports-Goldman Morgan's name represents a fusion of the first and last name of the company's president: Leo Goldman. Based in New York, the manufacturer is known for distributing a variety of collectibles, including bar accessories, figurines, and mugs. The company's head vases feature a paper label that reads: "Fine Quality Lego Japan."

Napco
Established in 1938 in Bedford, Ohio, the National Potteries Corporation, otherwise known as Napco, imports various styles of ceramic, glass, and china giftware. Irwin Garber, who would later launch INARCO, joined the company in the mid-40s and spearheaded its development of head vases. Owned and operated in the Midwest, Napco distributed a variety of collectibles, including decorative wall accessories, ashtrays, ceramic and wood house wares, floral arrangements, ceramic planters, decorative glass, novelty figurines, mugs, trivets, and Christmas ceramics. Napco used a wide array of marks for its head vases—some transfer marks and some paper labels. The paper labels feature various wording, such as: "A Napco Collection," "Napco originals by Giftware," "National Potteries Co., Cleveland, OH, Made in Japan," and "Napcoware, Import Japan."

Betty Lou Nichols Ceramics
With a signature style and inimitable quality, Betty Lou Nichols head vases are impossible to miss. The company is the brain trust of designer Betty Lou Nichols, who launched a ceramics business in California during World War II, and her agent, Ruth Sloan, who helped guide the company to prominence. Nichols employed innovative clay techniques to render ruffled skirts, curls for hair, elegant faces, etc. Her head vases, known as "Gay 90s," incorporated up to five types of clay and became her trademark product. The figurines typically feature very large heats and elegant eyelashes. Most Nichols' head vases feature hand-painted marks on the base, and many were given actual female names, such as Angela, Mary Lou, Candy, etc. Because patents did not exist at the time the business was thriving, many Betty Lou Nichols designs were copied in Japan, and, though similar, the imitations lack the quality of style or finish. However, such competition eventually strained demand and the company shut down in 1962.

Irving W. Rice & Co., Inc.
Founded in 1905, Irving W. Rice & Company was launched in New York City as a seller of head vases, perfume bottles, salt and peppershakers, crystal accessories, and table crystal gifts. It flourished under the
direction of Irving W. Rice as president and Lou D. Bloom as sales manager. Although Mervelle G. Rice took over as president in the 50s, the company continued to import the same items—often from Japan—throughout its history. The company used both paper labels and transfer marks and its head vases often featured the wording "An Irice import" or "An Irice product."

Rubens Originals
With its trademark Rubens "R" logo gracing its pieces, Rubens remains of the most recognizable head vase producers in the world. The company began as the U.S. Bag & Supply Company, founded in the 30s by Israel Steinman. His son, Reuben, took over in 1947, renamed the company Rubens Originals 9to mimic the spelling of the famous painter), and began importing art ware from Japan. After purchasing an elegant vase on a trip to Montreal, Reuben Steinman had the piece reproduced in three sizes; in 1956, the very first Rubens Original head vase was released. Based in Los Angeles, the company began distributing a variety of collectibles, such as floral pottery and giftware, ceramic and plastic accessories, and figurines. Today, Rubens Originals continues to import novelty pottery, floral containers and artificial silk flowers from Japan.

Samson Import Co. Inc. / Reliable Glassware & Pottery Co., Inc.
Samuel Krivit founded the Samson Import Co. in 1933. The name was a derivation of his own name "Sam" with "Son"—an indication that he hoped his son, Jerome, would someday enter the business. Starting as a ceramic and stoneware vase importer, the company flourished. Soon enough, the younger Krivit did indeed join the business; Jerome helped spearhead the creation of Reliable Glassware & Pottery Co.—or Relpo—which served as the marketing and distribution company under Samson Import Co. By the late 50s, Samuel had retired and Jerome had assumed control over both companies. Making frequent trips to Japan, Jerome helped to build a line of floral containers and soon, lady head vases were a prominent item in the company's distribution. In fact, in its heyday, Samson Import Co. was producing more than a dozen different varieties of head vases-mostly in Seto City, Japan. After Jerome Krivit's death in 1983, the company was taken over by his sister, Muriel Krivit Spier. A variety of paper labels and transfer marks are found on the head vases, and include inscriptions that represent every branch of the company: "Reliable Glassware & Pottery Inc.", "Relpo", and "Samson Import Co."

UCAGCO
United China & Glass Co. Inc., better known as UCAGCO, is one of the oldest importers of head vases, dating back to 1850. Founded by Abe Mayer and originally called Abe Mayer & Co., the importer did business throughout the Southeast U.S. as well as Central and South America. It wasn't until the 30s that the company took on the official trademark of UCAGCO and began expanding overseas. In fact, after the war, the company's agent in Japan, S.A. Stolaroff signed the very first contract allowing imports from Japan. A talented ceramic designer himself, Stolaroff worked alongside many Japanese potteries to lead the company's line of ceramics. In 1956, UCAGCO was sold to Sammons Enterprises and in 1962, Stolaroff, who had become the company's president, retired. UCAGCO head vases are widely recognized for their high quality and excellent finish. The pieces feature both transfer-type marks and paper labels.