Overview
This is a whimsical, anthropomorphic wooden kitchen organizer designed in the shape of a monkey, featuring a colorful ceramic tile inset.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a whimsical, anthropomorphic wooden kitchen organizer designed in the shape of a monkey, featuring a colorful ceramic tile inset.
Story
In the early 1970s, the American kitchen underwent a 'woodland' transformation, trading the sleek chrome of the Space Age for the warm, tactile charm of natural materials.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, these pieces were typically produced by export companies like Otagiri or Goodway, who specialized in bringing the 'Scandi-cool' aesthetic to the average suburban home.
Condition & Value
The item appears remarkably complete with all spreaders and the side tongs present. The wood grain is well-preserved, and the tile shows no visible cracking. Complete sets like this command the higher end of the market range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375