Retro Cookie Jar Appraisal

Vintage Poodle Head Cookie Jar

This item is a vintage ceramic cookie jar designed in the whimsical shape of a red poodle's head. The poodle features a glossy, dark red glaze on its curly 'fur' and ears, with a lighter, creamy pinkish-white glaze for its face, muzzle, and inner ears, creating a charming contrast. Its facial features are hand-painted, including large, expressive black eyes with eyelashes, delicate black outlines, and a small, smiling red mouth. A prominent black bow tie is sculpted onto the poodle's neck, adding to its character and giving it a somewhat formal or dapper appearance. The top of the poodle's head forms the lid of the cookie jar, and it appears to have a small, clear glass or plastic stopper/handle integrated into it, though this is partially obscured. The overall construction suggests molded ceramic, likely mass-produced, with hand-painted details. There is a hot pink sticker on the left side of the poodle's head, indicating a price of '$7.99', suggesting it is being sold at a thrift store or similar retail environment. The condition appears to be relatively good for a vintage item, with no immediately visible chips or cracks, although minor wear, crazing in the glaze, or slight paint loss might be present upon closer inspection, typical of items from its likely era. This style of anthropomorphic animal cookie jar was particularly popular in the mid-20th century, suggesting an estimated age from the 1950s to 1970s. The craftsmanship, while not fine art, is characteristic of nostalgic decorative kitchenware, designed to be both functional and appealing.