Donkey salt and pepper shakers
made in Japan c.1950s
What was it about donkeys, sombreros, and cactuses that made them so exotic in the 50s? So overused and clichéd then – so kitschy now. I like that this salt and pepper set has donkeys in different poses, and with those huge eyes- they anticipate anime.
In the 50s the world was opened up to middle class travel. No longer the preserve of the rich, middle class Australians travelled to all corners [a terrible/inaccurate expression] of the globe. Since Australia was 20 hours travel away from ANYWHERE – you might as well travel 50 hours and see South America. And having spent every last penny getting there, I suppose there wasn’t much money left for travel souvenirs.
Google donkey salt and pepper shakers- and wow! ~ what a selection. No cliché left unturned. But yesteryear’s cliché is my kind of kitsch. And these donkeys are in perfect condition, stamped ‘Japan’ on the base. Part of the 50s export market for Australian travelers to South America made in Japan. Truly international!
The donkey s & p shakers are for sale: $AUD35
re:retro 
I do love donkeys, something about their ears I think. However the ones in Pinocchio, always scared me…
donkeys just have that 50s vibe!