There are remarkable individuals with a golden touch, turning everything they touch into treasure, and Holt-Howard was one such person. He didn’t just dabble in pixieware; he made it famous. Pixieware is a unique ceramic pottery that has enchanted collectors and vintage enthusiasts worldwide. Owning such pieces, you’ll appreciate their immense value. Holt-Howard’s creations remain sought-after today, with soaring prices. What makes pixieware so appealing, and how can you begin collecting Holt Howard’s masterpieces? Explore our price guide and collector tips to learn more!
Collecting vintage Mid-Century modern kitsch ceramics offers unmatched enjoyment. At Crazy4Me, we’re passionate about vintage and kitsch and have curated exceptional Holt-Howard and pixieware pieces from the past six decades. For both experienced collectors and beginners, these items add delight and whimsy to any collection. Dive in and experience the magic—we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Holt-Howard’s pixieware line, produced between 1958 and the early 1960s, featured 16 condiment jars, reportedly sold for only $1 in the 50s-60s. The jars included various items like cherries, chili sauce, honey, instant coffee, and more. With colorful flat heads, big eyes, and comical expressions, the jars were not only fun to look at but also functional, featuring attached “spoofy spoons” for serving condiments.
The latest additions to my pixieware collection are these Holt-Howard oil and vinegar cruets (pictured above) called Sam Vinegar & Sally Oil that originally sold for $2.95. In today’s market (writing this post in June 2022) be prepared to spend upwards of $600+ for the pair. These Holt-Howard pixieware cruets are so well-made with exceptional attention to detail from the hand painting to the expressions on their faces, the modeling and glazing of the ceramic is really exquisite and that is exactly what the Holt-Howard company become known for…. Their high-quality whimsical ceramics.
Pictured above are some of my favorite Holt-Howard pixieware condiment jars. Of course, the more popular Holt-Howard pixieware became, the copycats (other manufacturers from the era) also began putting out pixieware for sale. The Davar company made these oil and vinegar cruets (pictured below) and they have painted rings instead of stripes like the Holt-Howard pixies but the pixieware faces are fantastic and today they are also incredibly collectible and command high prices ($400-$500) for a pair of oil and vinegar cruets and Davar put out a couple of different sets that feature different color stripes on the jar bodies, the pixie head faces have different expressions, and the eyes are also different with some having starbursts. I find the Davar pixieware cruets as delightful as the Holt- Howard ones.
Lefton company produced their own charming and whimsical pixieware condiment jars, like the remarkable hotdog head and hamburger head jars. The rare Lefton hotdog head mustard jar, when available, can fetch $1,000-$3,500 in excellent condition. It’s delightful to see pixieware from Holt-Howard, Davar, Lefton, and Lipper & Mann coexist harmoniously, as showcased in the article’s opening family photo.
People often wonder why I collect these ceramics, and the answer is simple: they bring me immense joy. These charming collectibles delighted individuals in the past and continue to do so today with their vibrant colors, adorable faces, and whimsy. Sharing my passion for these captivating pieces and witnessing others’ delight when they see them is truly rewarding.
For a unique and whimsical collection addition, consider Holt-Howard pixieware. Produced between 1958 and the early 1960s, these items are rare but well worth the effort to find. With excellent quality, Holt-Howard pixieware will undoubtedly enhance any collection’s value.
Start exploring this fascinating world filled with nostalgia and tradition today! Here’s a great book with lots of photos and information you might enjoy.
Price Guide to Holt-Howard Collectibles and Other Related Ceramicwares of the 50s & 60s by Walter Dworkin
Additional articles I have written are here:
Collecting Holt Howard Pixieware and Whimsical Kitchen Kitsch
Holt-Howard Christmas Collectibles and Price Guide: Starry Eyed Santa
Holt-Howard Christmas Collectibles
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Vintage Kitsch Collectors and Enthusiasts
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