A beautifully detailed matched pair of ceramic pheasant salt and pepper shakers, depicting a male and female ring-necked pheasant — each a distinct and carefully observed figure. The male is caught mid-display, wings spread wide and tail fanned with barred yellow, red, and black feathers; his head shows the characteristic teal-green neck, red eye patch, and white collar of a ring-necked pheasant rendered with real care. The female is quieter but equally refined — warm amber and brown tones, yellow-green eye, dark-capped head, and a long russet tail with painted feather markings. Both stand on speckled green grass-textured oval bases with painted brown feet.
The quality here is noticeably above average for the genre. The coloring uses soft airbrushing to blend tones rather than flat brushwork, and the sculpted detail — individual wing feathers, expressive faces, naturalistic proportions — suggests a better-grade production piece rather than a dime-store novelty. Shaker holes are positioned discreetly on each bird’s body.
Pieces marked “Made in Japan” of this type were produced primarily from the late 1940s through the 1960s for the US export market , with the postwar period producing a wide range of quality from novelty souvenir ware to genuinely accomplished hand-painted ceramics. This pair sits firmly in the latter category.
Details:
• Approx. 2.5–3” H each (male slightly taller with raised wings)
• Glazed ceramic, hand-painted with airbrushed color blending
• Stamped “Made in Japan” on base
• Likely 1950s production
• Condition: Good vintage — colors vivid, no chips noted, minor age-appropriate wear to bases
A handsome display set for a hunting lodge, cabin, or nature-themed kitchen, and a strong addition to any Japanese export ceramics collection.
