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Anthropomorphic

This guide will cover all kinds of anthropomorphic kitchen items, from salt and pepper sets, napkin holders, and tea pots to embroidered pot holders, tea towels, and aprons.

The values included in this guide were determined by me during my research of each item and actual prices that they are currently selling at because after all, you can say something is worth whatever you want but in my opinion it's only worth that if it's selling for that price! (Sentimental value trumps monetary value at times though) :o)

Anthropomorphic Kitchen Collectibles 

The ceramic versions of these little cuties were mostly imports from Japan sold by popular distributors like Holt Howard, Napco, and Lefton. As mentioned above, they came in all different forms… salt and pepper sets, butter dishes, condiment containers, tea pots, and pitchers to name just a few!

This cute little onion keeper was my grandmother's.


It is marked "Napco" on the bottom. Value = $80 to $100


I've been collecting these little tea bag holders for awhile now. Only one is marked "Made in Japan" on the back. Value $7 - $10 each


I found these funny little turnip salt and pepper shakers at the antique mall where I work. They are not a pair although very similar except for size.


They are marked on the bottom "JAPAN". Value = $10 to $25 (if they were a matched set)

This adorable little pumpkin is a planter that my mom found recently at an estate sale. While this one is not marked, after researching him I found he was distributed by Relpo. Value = $15 - $20


These little egg salt and pepper shakers look rather worried! These are not marked. Value = $14 - $18



This sweet little teapot is from the Lefton Cabbage Cuties pattern. Her name is "Cissy Cabbage". Value = $125 - $175.



Here are a few more examples that I picked up recently. This apple napkin holder was distributed by Enesco. Value = $20 - $25


I could not find any information about these except that there was a male face that was Jam too! Estimated value = $20 - $30



A chubby cheek relish jar by Napco Value = $25 - $30



Most of these darling collectibles were earthenware which is soft clay. It chips easily so it is very common to see pieces with chips and nicks on them. While most items were originally made for use in the kitchen, if you are collecting them now you should not wash these in the dishwasher due to drastic temperature changes which can cause pottery to crack.

I put together a little collage of some of the most common markings for PY/Miyao pieces. Although not all pieces made by them will have markings. Some have none at all!

For more in-depth details and values this is a great book: