Vintage Ceramic Owls Salt and Pepper Shakers

vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers owl couple in an orangey brown colour with blue eyes he's bright eyed and she's got her eyes closed stamped Japan on the base plastic stoppers in fair vintage condition ~ there are no chips or cracks, but there is a hard substance on the side of the lady owl (pictured) I don't know what it is and I can't get it off ~ there is also some minor paint loss on both measures approx 2.5" tall