All About Cookie Jars

A cookie jar is, traditionally, a lidded ceramic vessel made for the purpose, of course, of holding cookies. Most jars found today, however, are anything but plain, utilitarian ceramic jars. Like salt and pepper shakers, the reason cookie jars are so popular is the exciting and playful designs that come up every day.

Cookie jars began being made and used in England in the late 1800s. These were plain glass jars with screw-on lids (more like what we think of as a mason jar today). The first jars that began to resemble modern cookie jars were made in Ohio during the 1930s by Brush Pottery. These were the first jars to come in fun shapes such as fruits, vegetables, and animals.

Today, thousands of people enjoy collecting cookie jars. Both new and vintage cookie jars are in high demand as new collectors pop up. Well known personalities such as Andy Warhol and Billy Dee Williams have been known to collect jars. Of course, most people are casual collectors, but some take it a bit further. A group of 136 jars from Warhol's collection took in nearly $200,000 at auction in the late 1980s.

When you are collecting jars, there are a couple things to keep in mind. First, be sure you have room for the jar. These are not salt and pepper shakers or some other collectable you can easily toss to the back of the cabinet. Cookie jars are often quite large, so it takes more of a spatial investment.

You should also inspect for any chip damage, especially around the lid. If this is to be used on a regular basis, one chip can easily turn into a long crack.

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