Children on a Sled (possibly Salt and Pepper Shakers)
Ceramic figurine/decorative art • Likely mass-produced by a Japanese or Taiwanese export pottery firm (e.g., Lefton or Napco style)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Kitsch / Americana / Kawaii
Medium & Technique
Glazed ceramic (likely slip-cast earthenware) with hand-painted underglaze and overglaze details
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 3-4 inches in height; small-scale desktop/kitchen format
Subject Description
A pair of stylized children, a boy and a girl, wearing winter clothing (coats, hats, and scarves) seated on a sled or luge. The aesthetic features oversized heads and large eyes typical of mid-century novelty ceramics.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface wear and significant glaze loss on the red hand/glove areas
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely private household collection; characteristic of gift shop inventory from the mid-20th century
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in affordable, sentiment-focused consumer ceramics and the rise of the 'cute' aesthetic in domestic objects.
Notable Features
The use of 'cold paint' (paint applied after firing) for the red accents, which is prone to flaking, and the characteristic high-gloss glaze common in export ceramics of this period.
Condition Issues
Notable paint loss (cold paint) on the red mittens and scarves; visible surface scratches and minor glaze crazing consistent with age and use.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth only; avoid harsh detergents that may further strip the cold-painted red details; display out of direct sunlight.