From Hello Kitty kettles to centuries-old miniature sculptures, we’ve collected some pretty cute objects over the years. Here are 10 of the most adorable things you can find in the V&A’s collections.
10. A very mini mouse…
At 3cm tall, this is definitely one of the cutest things in our collection. Tiny and intricately carved, this miniature sculpture is called a netsuke. It was made in Japan in the 1600s to help people carry small items.
9. Chic tiny furniture
This matching set of mini furniture was made over 160 years ago. The largest pieces are a little over 30 cm in height, making them the perfect place to relax for anyone under two feet tall.
8. Cuddles all round
There is something very sweet about this 600-year-old sculpture of a young boy cuddling his… dog? Otter? Badger? It’s cute whatever it is.
7. Would you like a cuppa from a twee kettle?
The Hello Kitty cat has a name: Kitty White. According to her creator, Yuko Shimizu, she was born in the suburbs of London.
6. Licca-chan is possibly the cutest doll ever
In Japanese culture, ‘-chan’ is added after a name to honour someone that is young, cute or dear to you. For extremely cute things, ‘-tan’ can be used instead.
5. Grinning from ear to ear
This is another netsuke. It’s a figure of a woman washing, but it’s the large smile and the round cheeks that do it for us. Adorable.
4. Charming cats on a biscuit tin
This 1899 biscuit tin features a group of kittens hanging out together, modelling scarves and knocking over egg cups. If this isn’t cute, we don’t know what is.
3. Tiny silver teapot
This 4cm tall silver teapot comes from a 350-year-old keepsake box. Its owner obviously thought it was cute enough to preserve for centuries.
2. When pink was only for girls
This tiny footwear set was given to Princess Mary, Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt. It was meant for Mary’s daughter, but she only had sons. They are pretty adorable though.
1. Such a cu-tea
Finally, another netsuke. This time it’s a tea bowl and whisk, but being so tiny it’s not so perfect for actually whipping up a matcha brew. These adorable ornaments from the 1600s are much sought after pieces of Japan’s art history. We can see why; they’re such cute items!
