50TH Anniversary Ceramic Plate, Gold Trim and Gold Roses, Japan.

Josef Originals was created by Muriel Joseph George, a southern California jewellery maker, and her husband, Tom George, in 1945, during World War II, Muriel could not obtain the materials necessary to make her jewellery, so she designed figurines. She loved mice and used them in her work, engaging them in various activities. Muriel also developed several other popular series, including Little Pet, Doll of the Month and, the most popular, the Birthday Girls.

All the pieces were made in California until 1960 when, due to competition from Japanese imports, Muriel and Tom decided to take on a partner, George Good, and they opened a factory in Japan. Muriel continued to design her figurines until her retirement in 1981. In 1982, George Good bought the company, but in 1985, he turned around and sold it to Southland Corporation. Today, Josef Originals is owned by Applause Inc. and continues to sell copies of many of the original designs.