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Pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel salt and pepper shakers

Pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel salt and pepper shakers

Ceramics / Enamelware
Uncommon
Identified on June 29, 2026

Estimated Value

$40-$120

This appears to be a matched pair of small Japanese cloisonné condiment shakers, likely intended for salt and pepper. The bodies are rounded and tapered, with deep cobalt-blue enamel ground and decorative scenic motifs in gold, orange, and pale tones. The tops are dark enamel or metal with small perforations, one with a single hole and the other with two holes, consistent with salt and pepper usage. The overall style suggests decorative export ware rather than a high-end signed cloisonné piece. The imagery appears to include stylized landscape or figural elements, though the photo is somewhat soft and details are not fully legible.

Era

Late 19th century to early 20th century, likely Meiji to Taisho period (c. 1890s-1920s)

Origin

Japan

Material

Copper or brass bodies with cloisonné enamel decoration and metal tops/liners

Condition

Fair to Good; visible wear to enamel surfaces, minor scratches, and possible loss of finish on the metal tops. No obvious major cracks or structural breaks visible from this view.

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Physical Details

Dimensions

Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches tall each

Weight

Light

Authentication

Authenticity Score

Medium; the construction, enamel style, and form are consistent with antique Japanese cloisonné condiment shakers, but the image does not show marks or close detail needed for firm attribution.

Provenance

Likely Japanese export ware made for domestic or Western table use during the Meiji/Taisho period. No maker's mark or signature is visible in the image, so exact workshop attribution is unknown.

Historical Significance

Japanese cloisonné enamel reached high artistic and export popularity in the Meiji era, and small household items such as shakers reflect the adaptation of traditional decorative techniques to Western dining customs.

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