Kitsch Art Appraisal

Vintage Kissing Fish Wall Hangings Set

This item is a set of four vintage ceramic or chalkware fish wall hangings, likely from the mid-20th century, specifically designed for decorative purposes, possibly for a bathroom or kitchen with a kitschy, retro aesthetic. The set consists of one large fish and three smaller fish, all featuring a stylized, somewhat cartoonish design with open mouths. The large fish is predominantly light blue or aqua with a pale pink or off-white face and bright red lips, giving it a 'kissing fish' appearance. Its body is textured to simulate scales, and the fins and tail are also relief-molded. The smaller fish are similarly designed: one is a light blue/aqua with red lips, another is light pink/coral with red lips, and the third is light green/chartreuse with red lips. Each fish has distinct fins and tails. The overall construction appears to be molded, with details such as scales, eyes (indicated by simple closed lines on the large fish, and black dots on the smaller ones), and gills rendered in relief. There are no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant damage, suggesting good preservation for their age, although minor wear or crazing consistent with vintage ceramics cannot be ruled out without closer inspection. The absence of visible hanging mechanisms implies they may have a recessed area on the back or a pre-drilled hole for hanging, typical of such wall decor. The craftsmanship indicates mass production but with reasonable attention to decorative detail. Their coordinated color palette and design suggest they were sold as a unified set.