ZoLO Painted Wood Toy Set 55 Pieces by Higashi Glaser Design

ZoLO Painted Wood Toy Set

ZoLO Painted Wood Toy Set

ZoLO Painted Wood Toy Set

We purchased this extremely rare ZoLO toy set at the Contemporary Art Center in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1987. As designers, we recognized this as another example of 80s design as valid as the concepts and products being created by Ettore Sottssass and the group of Milanese artists referred to as Memphis. These were industrial designers who in essence re-invented what we considered Modern Design. The movement marked the end of the 20th century. Revered mid-century modern designer, George Nelson said in 1983, “Memphis is not in any atlas. It is a state of the soul, the soul at the end of the 20th century. If you didn’t know that the 20th century has a soul now you know.” True, Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi, the creators of ZoLO were not among Sottssass, Matteo Thun, Peter Shire, George Sowden, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Marco Zannini, … but their colorful, eccentric, pop, cutting edge toy emerged from the influences of that new international design called Memphis.

This original ZoLO was handcrafted in 1986, hand carved and hand painted, each box was a work of art but also contained the resources for imaginative works of art. The exterior sleeve states: “Lurking within this box are 50 twisty, twirly, squiggly, wiggly, knobby, blobby, and polka-dotty handmade wooden pieces waiting to be put together. Just release your imagination, and ZoLO will go wild.” “ZoLO can be anything you want it to be. Just open your mind, feel from your heart and discover the world of ZoLO.” We also have the original tri-fold postcard to be sent back to the Old Chelsea Station, NY postal address. It was included to gather a data base “as part of their continuing effort to develop products that inspire the hearts and minds” from the recipients including their contact information, “livelihood, amusements, favorite playthings, three wishes, comments & doodles.” It was obvious the creators were impassioned and having fun!

This, ZoLo “Designed by Raw Materials” is in excellent vintage condition. It is proto-typical.The original printed die cut cardboard sleeve still slips over the plywood box. The original makers attempted to clean up their still rough cut boxes with wood putty to mask the nails that hold the box together, note, this is original, not a repair. We count 55 pieces, including the fiber material drawstring bag which stores the smaller pieces. It was “played with” less than a hand full of times by us. The latex rubber on one piece has dried out over time, naturally and one curved connector was carefully repaired. This sculptural plaything is extraordinary, rare indeed, especially in its condition and completeness!

Craig Veser Handmade 3D Modernist Painted Wood Circus Puzzle

circus puzzle

circusPuzzle-b-8143

circusPuzzle-b-8146

The wood pieces from which the circus pieces were cut double as the packaging of the puzzle. The puzzle was purchased in the midwest in the printed cardboard box in which it was originally packaged and sold. Made in Spain, it was designed by Craig Veser for Faroy, Inc., Houston, Texas. The box and the wood signature indicate it was made in 1982. A separately printed piece that was discovered inside also indicates a connection to VIA, with a Dallas, Texas address and defunct phone number. This circus puzzle and its animal characters are endearing, perfectly clean, never used. The edges of the wood from which it was cut, then painted the same character on both sides. The pieces show no rounding. The furniture grade plywood from which either side of the circus rings are made is 9/16″ and the characters are 15/16″.

This is different from flat wood or cardboard puzzles because it allows those involved, adult or older child, to work in three dimensions.

Of course, given the size of the puzzle pieces, we would not advocate or suggest that the puzzle be played with by young children.

In addition to the puzzle teeter totter and other circus props, the puzzle includes an elephant, tiger, lion, camel, bear, two horses, a panda bear, monkeys, and seals totaling 21 pieces.

Measurements: 14″ wide x 14″ long x 1.5″ (box) with 9/16″ deep background and 15/16″ deep characters