Elves on Shoes, Made in Japan #047
This is a pair of ceramic high heeled shoes manufactured in Japan. They are dated from the 1950s kitschy era. Each shoe is decorated with an elf, one dressed in yellow, the other in pink. Much of the paint has worn off, notably the clothing and the bows which were once red. Each elf has a large brown bump on its forehead. (?) The faces, however, are in excellent condition.
The shoes each measure 3″ in length, 3″ in height and 1 5/8″ in width. There are no chips, cracks or crazing. The detailing is not sharp, but the outlines are evident.
Note the odd brown forehead ‘bump’, but also notice the delicate painted eyelashes.
The stamp in red reads JAPAN. This pair of shoes is part of the original Lillian P Wood Memorial Collection and dates from the early 1950s.
The estimated collector’s value is $18.00 to $24.00 for the pair.
Information from The Collector’s Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics by Carole Bess White published by Collectors Books, a division of Schroeder Publishing Co., Inc. in 1996 and personal records.
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Shoes in Miniature 
Cute and one of my favorite collectibles: MIJ ceramics (MIOJ too!). But what’s the appeal of the shoes?
I’ve learned that miniature decorative shoes have been around for centuries. Those made in England & France hundreds of years ago can bring top prices. Could it be there size (easy to display & store)? Or there beauty? Certainly there’s some romantic appeal.
I’ll check me collector’s library and let you know if I have any info on miniature shoes. Good luck!
MadSilence
I have this shoe. The elf is dressed in yellow, legs spread apart. The brown bump is a sprig of hair from under his cap. Mine has two pink flowers glued on toe of shoe instead of bow.