Vintage Anthropomorphic Onion Salt and Pepper Shakers

A pair of anthropomorphic salt and pepper shakers designed to look like weeping or expressive onions. These ceramic figurines feature hand-painted details including exaggerated facial expressions; one shaker displays a crying face with visible blue tears and a downturned mouth, while the other shows a more skeptical or side-eyed gaze. Both shakers are teardrop-shaped with a cream-to-tan gradient base and brown handles that resemble arms akimbo. On top, they feature green painted foliage representing onion sprouts. The glaze is glossy, exhibiting some fine crazing consistent with age. There are several chips visible on the brown handles and the green leaf tips, revealing the white ceramic body underneath. These items are characteristic of 1950s houseware kitsch, likely produced in Japan as indicated by the style of the facial painting and the clay body. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced mid-century novelty ceramics, prioritising character over refinement.