1920's Gold Castle Toothbrush Holder Yellow Lion/Dog, Chikusa Japan, Porcelain

This is an adorable vintage porcelain toothbrush holder in the shape of a lion (but could be a dog, I suppose). Stamped on the bottom "Gold Castle, Handpainted, Chikusa, Made in Japan". Circa 1920's - 1940's. (*See below) Great color. Hole in back for hanging but sits well also. Measures 6" tall. Excellent vintage preowned condition with no chips, cracks, crazing, or wear. *A Gold Castle Chikusa hand-painted item made in Japan likely dates to the 1920's to 1940's, specifically the period between 1921 and 1941. This is based on the fact that "Gold Castle" was the export mark used by Tashiro Shoten Ltd. in Nagoya, Japan, for their Chikusa division during that time. The company also used other marks like "Trico" and "Royal Trico" during the same period, all marked simply "Made in Japan". The company ceased operations in 1954.