
Vintage Hand-Painted Floral Japanese Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers
This is a pair of vintage barrel-shaped salt and pepper shakers, likely originating from Japan during the mid-20th century (Occupied Japan or post-war export era). These items are crafted from white ceramic or porcelain with a glossy glaze. Each shaker features an intricate hand-painted design consisting of a vibrant green band of leaves encircling the middle, punctuated by small blue and pink floral blossoms. The upper and lower sections are finished with a warm ochre or reddish-brown glaze. The white domed tops are decorated with a gold-tone starburst or radiating line pattern and characteristic dispensing holes. The craftsmanship shows typical period indicators such as slightly uneven paint application and some visible black outlines indicative of underglaze transfer or hand-detailing. In terms of condition, there is evidence of light vintage wear and surface patina. The left shaker displays some darker staining or residue near its base, while both pieces show minor fading of the gold gilt on the tops. No major cracks are visible, though some crazing may be present upon closer inspection. These pieces represent a classic example of collectible kitchy ceramic kitchenware popular for export during the 1940s-1950s.
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Estimated Value
$10-20
Basic Information
Category
Kitchenware / Collectible Ceramics
Appraised On
February 2, 2026
Estimated Value
$10-20
Item Description
This is a pair of vintage barrel-shaped salt and pepper shakers, likely originating from Japan during the mid-20th century (Occupied Japan or post-war export era). These items are crafted from white ceramic or porcelain with a glossy glaze. Each shaker features an intricate hand-painted design consisting of a vibrant green band of leaves encircling the middle, punctuated by small blue and pink floral blossoms. The upper and lower sections are finished with a warm ochre or reddish-brown glaze. The white domed tops are decorated with a gold-tone starburst or radiating line pattern and characteristic dispensing holes. The craftsmanship shows typical period indicators such as slightly uneven paint application and some visible black outlines indicative of underglaze transfer or hand-detailing. In terms of condition, there is evidence of light vintage wear and surface patina. The left shaker displays some darker staining or residue near its base, while both pieces show minor fading of the gold gilt on the tops. No major cracks are visible, though some crazing may be present upon closer inspection. These pieces represent a classic example of collectible kitchy ceramic kitchenware popular for export during the 1940s-1950s.
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