This Set of Four Japan Ceramic Santa Mugs spells out the word "NOEL" on their handles. Each Santa mug has molded features of a jolly face.The N mug has wide-open eyes, while the O is winking. E and L are smiling so big that their eyes crinkle in delight.

Showing various states of wear, these mugs are a marvelous example of Christmas kitsch! Each cold-painted mug has lost some to nearly all of its paint. There are no chips or cracks. An ambitious crafter could remove the remaining paint and restore these sweet Santa faces.

Each mug is 2-3/4 inches tall and 2-3/8 by 2-5/8 across the rim. The letter-shaped handles are about an inch wide.

Made in Japan circa the 1950s to 1960s, each is stamped simply “Japan” on the foot and incised with the appropriate letter from Noel as illustrated by the handle.