Mid-Century Black Ceramic Rooster Salt and Pepper Shakers

This is a matching pair of novel ceramic salt and pepper shakers designed in the form of miniature squat teapots with overhead handles. Each piece is constructed from high-glaze black ceramic and features a hand-painted or decal-applied rooster and floral motif on both sides. The cockerel image is rendered in vibrant shades of green, coral/pink, and yellow, flanked by stylized pink leaf sprays. Gold-tone pinstriping accents the spouts and the rounded bodies of the vessels. A distinguishing feature is the arched metal swing handle on each shaker, which utilizes a coiled wire grip at the top, mimicking vintage kettle hardware. The shakers sit on a tripod base of small integrated ceramic feet. Based on the whimsical design and the color palette, these pieces appear to be mid-20th-century kitchenware (circa 1950s-1960s), likely of Japanese origin given the era's export trends in decorative ceramics. The glaze appears bright and glossy with minimal visible wear, though one spout shows slight potential paint loss on the gold trim. There are no immediate signs of chips or major cracks, suggesting well-maintained condition for their age. The craftsmanship is typical of high-volume mid-century novelty ceramics, characterized by charming but slightly irregular hand-finished details.