Vintage Japanese Red Potbelly Stove Salt and Pepper Shakers

This is a charming set of vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers designed in the shape of traditional potbelly stoves. Standing approximately 3 to 4 inches tall, the shakers are crafted from ceramic (likely earthenware) and finished in a vibrant, high-gloss cherry red cold paint or glaze. Each stove features black ring accents around the upper and lower stove body, with 'SALT' and 'PEPPER' clearly labeled in black block lettering above a stylized gold-painted oven door. The shakers boast a tiered lid design topped with a single dispense hole, mimicking a stove vent. The bases are molded with four small Victorian-style legs. These items are characteristic of the 'Made in Japan' kitsch novelties produced during the mid-20th century, specifically the late 1940s through the 1960s. The craftsmanship is typical of the era's mass-produced souvenirs, featuring hand-painted details that vary slightly between pieces. In terms of condition, there are minor scuffs and tiny flecks of paint loss visible on the red surface (common for cold-painted ceramics of this age), but the structural integrity remains sound with no visible cracks or heavy repairs. As noted by the user, these bear a 'Japan' stamp on the bottom, a primary indicator of origin and age for collectors of vintage kitchenalia.