{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-ceramic-koala-salt-pepper-shakers-circa-1950s-1960s-australiana","title":"Vintage Japanese Ceramic Koala Salt \u0026 Pepper Shakers, circa 1950s–1960s, Australiana","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the post-war tourism boom, international visitors couldn't get enough of Australian fauna — and since local production lines couldn't keep up with demand, Japanese factories stepped in with characteristic precision and charm. These koala salt and pepper shakers were made for the Australian souvenir market, sold in coastal holiday gift shops from Queensland to New South Wales, and they capture everything that made mid-century Japanese export ceramics so irresistible: the airbrushed charcoal grey tone, the high-contrast hand-painted facial features, the soft pink blush inside the ears, and that self-hugging pose that gives each koala a distinct personality. The oversized expressive eyes with white catchlights and the curved smile are pure mid-century kitsch — not realistic, not stiff, but full of warmth and character in the way that only hand-finished ceramics can be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are the kind of piece that sits on a kitchen windowsill for decades and becomes part of the furniture — quietly beloved, occasionally picked up and admired, never thrown away. A natural fit for a retro kitchen, a mid-century display shelf, or a collection of Australian kitsch and Australiana. They also make an excellent gift for anyone with a soft spot for koalas, vintage ceramics, or the particular charm of things made with care for a market that genuinely wanted them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unmarked Japanese export pottery (attributed to brands such as Grizelle or Takahashi — unconfirmed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-Century Australiana kitsch \/ Japanese export\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1950s–1960s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Airbrushed charcoal grey with hand-painted detailing, high gloss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair (salt \u0026amp; pepper)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8cm each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5cm each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCombined weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition. Both pieces are structurally pristine — no chips, cracks, or flea bites. The airbrushed glaze and hand-painted detailing are well preserved across both pieces. Please note: the base stoppers are missing, which is extremely common for shakers of this age. Standard replacement cork or plastic stoppers are inexpensive and readily available from craft suppliers. This is reflected in the price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe photographs form part of the condition report — please review all images carefully before purchasing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand wash only in warm water with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Do not place in a dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before refilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery piece is carefully wrapped and packaged to ensure it arrives at your doorstep in perfect condition.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Timeless Edit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42643294617646,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2808\/9574\/files\/KoalaS_Pshakers5.jpg?v=1788418500","url":"https:\/\/jacquifink.com\/products\/vintage-japanese-ceramic-koala-salt-pepper-shakers-circa-1950s-1960s-australiana","provider":"Jacqui Fink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}