Easy to store, affordable to buy, and interesting enough to keep - that’s our kind of collectible. What’s for sale today? A set of five vintage and antique salt cellars, all made in Japan in the 1930s and earlier. These pieces aren’t just great conversation starters - they’re also functional, perfect for serving salt at your dinner table.

What makes this instant collection special? Each piece is unique in shape and color, and they come from different historical periods.

Did we mention they're small? These salt cellars range from about 1.5 to 3 inches wide, with the tallest measuring around 1.5 inches. They're in great condition, especially considering that some are nearly 100 years old, while the ones marked Nippon are over a century old. Please see photographs to further evaluate their condition.

Here's an interesting fact: Japan was historically referred to as Nippon or Nihon in Japanese. The name "Nippon" was commonly used on exported goods due to the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, which required products to be marked with their country of origin.

From 1891 to 1921, Japanese porcelain and ceramics intended for export were marked "Nippon" to comply with this rule. After 1921, the United States required "Japan" to be used instead.

So, while Japan has always been called Nippon in its own language, the shift from "Nippon" to "Japan" on ceramics was mainly due to export regulations.
 

The Benefits of Instant Collections

A matching pair of antiques - like lamps, bookends, or candle holders - always commands a premium. The same applies to collections. Instead of spending years searching for individual pieces, you get a carefully curated set of vintage salt cellars, all at once. The value isn’t just in the items themselves but in the time saved and the rarity of finding them together.

There are other instant collections available in our marketplace - perfect for those who want to skip the effort it takes to start from scratch.
 

Notes

• Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require more photographs to evaluate condition.
• For those residing in the GTA, there's a possibility of coordinating pickup for larger items, so you can save on shipping costs.
• If you are interested in selling something similar please contact us - we buy entire collections.

Shipping and Terms & Conditions

• PLEASE WAIT FOR INVOICE BEFORE MAKING YOUR PAYMENT SO WE CAN CALCULATE AND INCLUDE TAXES AND SHIPPING COSTS.
• CANADIAN BUYERS PAY APPLICABLE TAXES. More information about how we apply taxes.
• We ship within 3-5 business days of receiving payment.
• Items are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. For additional security, we offer a money-back guarantee should a recognized authority argue the authenticity of any item sold.
• We strive to be fair and specific in our descriptions. Please read each auction and bid carefully, as all sales are final.
• Shipping and handling fees are non-refundable. Restocking and other fees may be applicable as well.
• We do not offer refunds unless an item is inadvertently misrepresented (see above). Should a refund be given, it will be only for the cost of the item.
• We will make every attempt to resolve the issue if we inadvertently make a mistake (it happens). If you have any questions, pre- or post-purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us.
• International Buyers: please note that import duties, taxes, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping fees. These costs are the buyer’s responsibility. We describe items correctly on customs forms.
• In some cases, we are able to combine multiple items to save shipping costs. If you plan to purchase more than one item, delay payment and contact us after you have purchased the first item. Otherwise, all items are sent following cleared payment.