Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide

06 April
Do you know what anthropomorphic means? Here's the definition:

Anthropomorphic

adjective[an-thruh-puh-mawr-fik]
  1. ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human.
  2. resembling or made to resemble human form

Sounds kind of creepy right? 😳

I don’t think you’ll be creeped out at all though because I’m specifically talking about collectibles… even more specifically, those cute vintage anthropomorphic figurines that were popular kitchen collectibles from the 1940s through the 1960s.

Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won't cost you a penny more)! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.


In this guide, I will talk about 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 similar items are currently selling for. 


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) 😊


Check out my other guides here:




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!


Py/Miyao was a popular manufacturer that began in the 1930s from Yokkaichi City, Japan. Miyawo Company Limited produced PY novelties for most of the American distributing companies listed above under the name Miyao from 1949 until 1961.


I've got some sweet examples to share!


This cute little onion keeper was my grandmother's.


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



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



Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



I've been collecting these little tea bag holders for awhile now. Only one is marked "Made in Japan" on the back. Value $10 - $15 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.


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



They are marked on the bottom "JAPAN". Value = $30 to $35 (if they were a matched set), individually $10 - $12 each.


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



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



Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


These little egg salt and pepper shakers look rather worried! These are not marked. Value = $20 - $25.



Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



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


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



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


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



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


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


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


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide



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.


Here are 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:



Not only are there lots of ceramic collectibles, there are soft goods (and patterns to make them) as well.


Vintage Anthropomorphic Embroidery Patterns were used to create tea towels and pot holders.


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


The patterns have a value anywhere from $5 for the more common designs up to $15 for the super cute ones like this 😀


Here are some cute vintage anthropomorphic tea towels.


Value = $8 - $10 each for the tea towels shown below.


I love how these combine applique and embroidery!



Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


Here are a couple more cute examples:


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide

Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


These adorable pot holders belong to my mom. Value = $10 - $15 each


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


A little bit more recent example, these are from the 1960's - 1970's. You may have seen these little cuties (or something similar) before. 


They are manufactured by Anchor Hocking and signed "Hildi". Value = $20 - $30


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


Sets like this are valued from $70 - $100!


Anthropomorphic Collectibles Guide


And here is the matching apron! Value = $15 - $20


Anthropomorphic collectibes guide


And corn cob salt and pepper shakers to complete the set! These are marked "Japan." Value $25 - $30


Anthropomorphic collectibes guide



What do you think? They're cute aren't they?


I hope you found this guide helpful, if you enjoyed it I'd love it if you'd share it!


PIN ME!
Anthropomorphic collectibes guide


Comments by Facebook