Preliminary identification

McCoy Pottery 'Flower Power' Cat Cookie Jar, No. 884

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A whimsical cold-painted ceramic cookie jar featuring a reclining cat adorned with vibrant, embossed daisies. This piece represents the 'Flower Power' era of American kitchenware, characterized by its textured 'wood-grain' finish and cheerful pop-art aesthetic.

Story

In 1970, Ohio's McCoy Pottery captured the hippie movement's spirit with this 'Flower Power' cat. It turned a simple kitchen storage item into a symbol of peace and counter-culture joy for the American suburban home.

Maker / Origin

The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company was a cornerstone of American pottery for nearly a century. Known for their heavy, durable, and highly imaginative cookie jars, they became the most collected name in the industry, turning everyday utility into folk art.

Condition & Value

The cold-painted finish shows typical age-related wear and minor flaking on the flower petals and ears. There appears to be a small chip or paint loss on the yellow bow. Significant paint loss generally reduces value by 40%.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.