These Vintage Ceramic Figurines Were All Over Kitchens In The '50s And '60s — Now They're Valuable Thrift Store Finds

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If you're old enough to remember the 20th century, there's a chance your formative years were spent under the watchful gaze of a few porcelain figurines — even in the kitchen. There are lots of vintage kitchen items people still swear by today, and Enesco's mid-century ceramic creations have made their way into that category. The brand is perhaps best known for "Precious Moments," a collectible tchotchke line featuring beatific porcelain children and animals that made a cultural splash in the '80s and '90s. Yet decades earlier, it produced a line of functional figurines that became fixtures in American kitchens. Enesco's "Prayer Lady" statuettes were commonly found on countertops and kitchen tables in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Now, they're highly coveted and potentially valuable. 

Also known as the "Mother in the Kitchen," Prayer Lady figurines depict a woman with her hands folded and head bowed. Her traditional coiffure, long, frilled gown, and full-length apron come from another era, giving the figurines a homespun, historical vibe. The figurines' skirted base is also inscribed with prayers and religious phrases such as "Give us this day our daily bread."

Enesco produced a wide variety of Prayer Ladies, each serving a unique role in the kitchen. From salt and pepper shakers, sugar bowls, toothpick holders, and napkin holders to forgotten vintage tools like string holders and clothes sprinklers, these sentimental yet practical pieces are riding a second wave of popularity, sought after by collectors who love midcentury style and historic decor.

To identify authentic Enesco "Prayer Lady" collectibles, first look for the signature dress, hairstyle, and pose. The Prayer Lady line comes in a few color variations, but the most common combination is a light pink dress with blue-and-yellow florals. On her apron are religious passages, such as the "Kitchen Prayer" or "Dinner Prayer," or short devotional phrases inscribed in Old English script.

If you flip the figure over, you might see a red-and-silver sticker that says "Enesco." Not every authentic piece will still have it attached, but seeing that classic label is a good way to tell if you're looking at the real deal. If the sticker says "Imports Enesco Japan," you're still on the right track. The company imported many of its ceramic collectibles from Japan.

You can find Enesco Prayer Ladies in the ceramics or kitchen section at thrift stores or on secondhand retail sites such as Etsy or eBay. On Etsy, you can typically pay anywhere from $20 to $60, depending on the piece's condition and rarity. You can also browse Facebook Marketplace or scour yard and estate sales — hunting is half the fun!