Antique Houseware Appraisal

Ceramic Floral and Basket-Weave Shaker

This item is a cylindrical ceramic or stoneware salt or pepper shaker, exhibiting a handcrafted or folk art aesthetic. It is relatively small in size, designed to be easily held in one hand. The primary colors are a light cream or off-white for the body, accented with vibrant hand-painted details. It features a decorative design consisting of a band of hand-painted floral motifs around the upper half, with visible red roses, orange or brown blossoms, and dark green/black foliage. The lower half of the body is adorned with a light green section patterned to resemble a basket weave. Both the top and bottom edges are highlighted with a glossy, light orange or rust-colored band, which appears to be part of the glaze. The glaze itself has a slightly uneven, rustic quality with some visible bumps and potential drippage, suggesting individual craftsmanship rather than mass industrial production. There are no immediately visible cracks, chips, or significant damage, though some minor surface imperfections and signs of age-appropriate wear may be present within the glaze, such as slight crazing or pinprick marks. The overall condition appears good given its likely age. Without a view of the top or bottom, identifying it specifically as a salt or pepper shaker is based on its typical form; it would likely have holes at the top for dispensing and a stopper at the bottom for refilling. The style suggests it could be from the mid-20th century, possibly 1940s-1970s, due to the floral design and the general decorative approach common in that period's kitchenware and decorative ceramics. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible from the provided image.