12 Vintage Anthropomorphic Fruit and Veggie Planters From the 1950s
Anthropomorphic fruit and veggie planters from the 1950s are a charming and unique addition to any vintage collection. These quirky ceramic pieces, often featuring playful faces and bright glazes, capture the fun and whimsy of mid-century décor. Produced mostly in Japan, these planters reflect the popular kitsch style of the era. From smiling tomatoes to winking eggplants, each planter has its own distinct personality. Collectors are drawn to their rarity and nostalgic appeal, making them highly sought after today.
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PY/Miyao Anthropomorphic Cabbage Face Planter

This charming planter showcases a cabbage with a smiling face, complete with big eyes and a red bow tie. Crafted by PY/Miyao in Japan during the 1950s, it’s a delightful example of mid-century kitsch. The planter’s vibrant green glaze and whimsical design make it a standout piece in any collection.
Collectors appreciate its rarity and the quality of craftsmanship. It’s often sought after by enthusiasts of vintage kitchenware and those fond of retro aesthetics. Due to its condition and desirability, this piece can fetch prices upwards of $80 in the current market.
Anthropomorphic Pumpkin Planter

Shaped like a pumpkin, this planter features an expressive face and is designed to hold small plants. Made in Japan during the 1950s, its cheerful design and bright orange glaze make it a standout piece.
Collectors enjoy the playfulness of this design and its seasonal appeal. In good condition, it can fetch around $50 to $70, depending on the vibrancy of the glaze and facial details.
Anthropomorphic Banana Head Planter

This quirky planter features a smiling banana with exaggerated facial features and a glossy yellow finish. Made in Japan during the 1950s, it captures the kitschy charm of mid-century kitchenware and décor.
In excellent condition, this piece is valued at approximately $60. Its fun design and rarity make it a desirable item for collectors of vintage planters.
Anthropomorphic Lemon Planter

This lemon-shaped planter features a face with a mischievous grin. Crafted in Japan during the 1950s, this piece combines whimsical design with vibrant yellow glazing.
Collectors are drawn to this item for its unique appearance and playful character. It typically sells for $40 to $55, with higher values for those in excellent condition.
Vintage Anthropomorphic Green Bell Pepper Planter

This charming planter is designed to resemble a bell pepper with an anthropomorphic face, complete with a wide smile. Made in Japan, this piece is crafted from ceramic with vibrant red, green, or yellow glazing.
The playful design and colorful finish make this planter a popular item among collectors. It generally sells for around $50, depending on its condition and the vibrancy of the colors.
Vintage Anthropomorphic Strawberry Planter

This adorable strawberry planter features a smiling face and is made from ceramic with a glossy red glaze. Produced in Japan during the 1950s, it adds a whimsical touch to any plant collection.
The rare design and bright finish make it a highly collectible item. Its value ranges from $50 to $70, depending on its condition and the clarity of its hand-painted details.
Anthropomorphic Fruit with Sunglasses Planter

This fun planter features a fruit character wearing black sunglasses, giving it a cool and playful look. Made in Japan during the 1950s, it was designed with bright hand-painted colors and smooth ceramic glazing.
Collectors love its humor and unique style that stands out from traditional fruit planters. Depending on its condition, this piece can be valued between $65 and $85, especially if the paint and glaze remain intact.
Orange Fruit Anthropomorphic Planter

This charming planter is shaped like an orange with a smiling face and small green leaves at the top. Crafted in Japan during the 1950s, it reflects the cheerful style of mid-century kitchen décor.
Collectors enjoy how it captures the lighthearted character designs of the time. When well-preserved, this orange fruit planter can sell for around $50 to $65.
Anthropomorphic Apple Planter

This apple-shaped planter features an expressive face with rosy cheeks and bright eyes. Its glossy red finish and attention to detail give it a warm and inviting appeal.
Produced in Japan in the mid-1950s, it is highly collectible for its fun design and nostalgic quality. Depending on rarity and condition, it typically ranges in value from $55 to $70.
Anthropomorphic Fruit Peach Polka Dot Headscarf Planter

This adorable peach planter has a smiling face and wears a red and white polka dot headscarf. The expressive features and hand-painted details make it a favorite among collectors of anthropomorphic ceramics.
Made in Japan, it captures the whimsy of 1950s design trends that brought charm into everyday household items. A well-preserved example can sell for about $60 to $80.
Vintage Miyao Anthropomorphic Crying Pear Planter

This pear planter by Miyao stands out for its emotional expression, featuring teary eyes and a gentle frown. The design perfectly represents the playful storytelling style of mid-century Japanese ceramics.
Collectors prize it for its unique emotion and rarity. Depending on condition, it can fetch between $70 and $90 on the vintage market.
Corn Cob Head Planter

This planter is designed as a corn cob with a smiling face and detailed green husk accents. Made in Japan during the 1950s, it was part of a larger series of anthropomorphic vegetable-themed ceramics.
Its hand-painted glaze and humorous design make it popular among mid-century collectors. When in excellent condition, this planter can be valued around $65 to $85.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.
