{"product_id":"vintage-1960s-alaska-polar-bear-salt-pepper-shakers-anthropomorphic-ceramic-souvenir-set-made-in-japan-mid-century-tourist-collectible","title":"Vintage 1960s Alaska Polar Bear Salt \u0026 Pepper Shakers – Anthropomorphic Ceramic Souvenir Set – Made in Japan Mid-Century Tourist Collectible","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAdd a charming piece of northern nostalgia to your table with this vintage Alaska polar bear salt and pepper shaker set, produced in Japan during the mid-century tourist souvenir era. Each ceramic polar bear stands upright on a square base labeled “ALASKA,” giving the pair a whimsical anthropomorphic personality that was popular in souvenir gift shops during the 1950s–1970s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThese glossy white ceramic bears feature delicate sculpted fur texture, small painted facial details, and classic mid-century figural design. The set makes a delightful addition to a retro kitchen display, Alaska travel memorabilia collection, or woodland-themed table setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhether displayed on a shelf, used at the dinner table, or added to a vintage salt and pepper collection, these charming bears capture the playful spirit of mid-century souvenir ceramics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Interesting Facts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eDuring the mid-20th century tourism boom, souvenir salt and pepper shakers became one of the most popular collectibles sold in gift shops across the United States. Many of these figurines were produced in Japan for export, where ceramic manufacturers created whimsical designs featuring animals, landmarks, and regional themes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAfter Alaska became the 49th U.S. state in 1959, tourism increased dramatically and souvenir items featuring polar bears, moose, and sled dogs became especially popular. Collectors today often seek out these charming mid-century figural shakers because they combine travel history, folk art style, and nostalgic kitchen décor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHeight: approx 3.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBase width: approx 1.25 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eDepth: approx 1.25 inches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eCombined weight: 3.0 oz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eMaterial: glazed ceramic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eCountry of manufacture: Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eVintage condition consistent with age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e• Light crazing visible in glaze (typical of vintage ceramics)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e• Minor age-related discoloration on base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e• Small paint wear spots\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e• No major cracks observed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53965158711580,"sku":"0030526008-006-1002-000","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/2236\/5468\/files\/D76463E9-FE0A-48E3-8465-6DBDB8FF10DB.jpg?v=1772853117","url":"https:\/\/www.callmeoldfashionedvintageshop.com\/products\/vintage-1960s-alaska-polar-bear-salt-pepper-shakers-anthropomorphic-ceramic-souvenir-set-made-in-japan-mid-century-tourist-collectible","provider":"Call Me Old Fashioned Vintage Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}