Anthropomorphic PY Japan: The Madness That Shook the Collector World!

Hey Crazy4Me fam! Remember the vintage anthropomorphic PY Miyao craze we dove into earlier? Buckle up, because things just got wilder than a sumo wrestler on a pogo stick!

PY Anthropomorphic Frying Pans, Wedding Elephants, Penguin Shakers and Corn Skewers 1950s Japan
PY Anthropomorphic Frying Pans, Wedding Elephants, Penguin Shakers and Corn Skewers 1950s Japan
Vintage Anthropomorphic PY Japan 1950s Pig Wall Plaques and Lefton/Norcrest Cookie Jars
Vintage Anthropomorphic PY Japan 1950s Pig Wall Plaques and Lefton/Norcrest Cookie Jars

March 2024 was a whirlwind for vintage kitschy cute anthropomorphic PY Japan, Norcrest, Lefton, ESD and more collectors. Prices for these quirky Japanese ceramics literally skyrocketed on platforms like eBay. We’re talking mind-blowing figures for some of the rarest PY Japan pieces the collector market has ever seen!

Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Flower Planters and Wall PLaques Japan 1950s
Vintage PY Anthropomorphic Flower Planters and Wall PLaques Japan 1950s
Vintage Anthropomorphic Norcrest/PY Fish Sugar and Creamers
Vintage Anthropomorphic Norcrest/PY Fish Sugar and Creamers
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Norcrest Blue Cat: Ultimate Collector’s Guide & Tips

Norcrest Blue Cat Complete Collection
Norcrest Blue Cat Complete Collection

Hello, Fellow Collectors!

I have some incredibly exciting news to share with all of you! After years of diligent searching and countless adventures, I’ve finally added the elusive Norcrest Blue Cat Cookie Jar to my collection! This rare gem is one of the most sought-after pieces in the Norcrest Blue Cat set, and its addition marks a significant milestone in my journey as a collector.

The Journey to Completing the Norcrest Blue Cat Collection

Collecting the Norcrest Blue Cat set is not just a hobby; it’s an adventure filled with history, art, and a sense of community. Manufactured in Japan in the 1950s and 1960s by the PY/Miyao company, these adorable ceramic pieces are a treasure trove for any collector. Each piece, numbered on the bottom with a “CT” and sometimes still featuring their original Norcrest foil label, tells a story of a bygone era of craftsmanship and whimsy.

Norcrest Blue Cat Wall Plaque CT-11
Norcrest Blue Cat Wall Plaque CT-11

I did a post a couple of years ago about the Norcrest Blue Cat set you can read here

The Norcrest Blue Cat set consists of these 12 pieces:

  • Teapot – CT-1
  • Oil and Vinegar – CT-2
  • Jam Jar – CT-3
  • Salt and Pepper Shakers – CT-4
  • Sugar Jar – CT-5
  • Milk pitcher CT-6
  • Butter Dish – CT-7
  • Creamer/pitcher – CT-8
  • Cat Bowl – CT-9
  • Cookie Jar CT-10
  • Wall Plaque – CT-11
  • Teabag Holder – CT-12
  • Egg Cup – unmarked, no CT number
  • Tea Cup – mystery item?

Tips for Aspiring Collectors:

  1. Where to Look: Start your search on eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and specialized Facebook collector groups. These platforms are treasure troves for finding pieces like the blue cat wall plaque, creamer, and sugar/jam jar.
  2. Be Persistent: The key to success is persistence. Check these sites daily for new listings, as rare items don’t come up often but are definitely worth the wait.
  3. Stay Alert: Set up notifications on eBay and other platforms to be immediately informed when new items are listed. This proactive approach is how I finally snagged my cookie jar!
  4. Inspect Carefully: When you find a piece, inspect it for any damage, especially in areas like the ears, tail, and necks of the cruet toppers. Remember, condition is key!
  5. Keywords are Key: Use specific search terms like “PY”, “Miyao”, “Big Eyes”, “Japan”, “Anthropomorphic”, “Kitsch”, and “Kitschy Cute” to narrow down your search.
  6. Connect with the Community: Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to ceramic collectors. Here, you can share tips, find leads, and maybe even make a few trades.
Norcrest Blue Cat Tea Bag Holder CT-12
Norcrest Blue Cat Tea Bag Holder CT-12

The Thrill of the Hunt

The thrill of adding a new piece to your collection is incomparable. For me, the moment I added the Norcrest Blue Cat Cookie Jar, it was a feeling of triumph and joy. Each piece in this collection, from the teapot (CT-1) to the mysterious, rumored tea cup (CT-13), holds its own charm and story.

Final Thoughts

Collecting these pieces is more than just acquiring objects; it’s about connecting with history, art, and a community of passionate collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, the Norcrest Blue Cat set offers a delightful and rewarding experience.

So, let’s keep the hunt alive! Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next lucky collector to find that rare piece that completes your collection. Happy collecting, everyone!

If you’re passionate about starting or expanding your Norcrest Blue Cat collection, don’t miss out on visiting my Etsy shop. I’ve carefully curated a selection of charming duplicates from this enchanting series, perfect for both new and seasoned collectors. Dive into the world of Norcrest Blue Cats and find your next treasure with us!

Stay Excited, Stay Collecting!

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Why Collectors Love Norcrest Blue Cats: A Look into the Kitsch Craze

Calling all vintage cat collectors! Get ready to meet my the Norcrest Blue Cat–the most playful and precious set around! We’ve got a cute butter dish with kitty snoozing away on top, an adorable tea bag holder that will “Hold The Bag” for you, and even oil & vinegar cruets featuring the cutest little cats ever. Missing out would be simply purrr-culiar – don’t miss your chance to add this delightfully whimsical collection into your home today!

Norcrest Blue Cat Collection
Norcrest Blue Cat Collection

The Norcrest Blue Cat set is an absolute must-have for any ceramic collector! Manufactured in Japan mid to late 1950s and possibly early 1960s by the PY/Miyao company, it’s not as easy to come across these adorable kitty cat pieces – each one numbered on the bottom with a “CT”. Even luckier if you find them still featuring their original Norcrest foil label attached! These cats have been enchanting collectors since they first came out so do your best to get this elusive collection now before someone else does!

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Vintage 1950s Kitschy Kitchen Collectibles

When talking about vintage ceramic kitchen collectibles from the 1950s-1960s, a popular theme is ‘Anthropomorphic’ and it refers to ‘uniquely human characteristics and expressions’ and these ceramic are usually very colorful and animated – kind of like cartoon characters with big eyes and smiles.  These vintage ceramics were mostly imports from Japan and made by the eras top manufacturers Holt Howard, PY, Miyao, Coronet, Napco, and Lefton.

You can find Anthropomorphic collectibles in the forms of: Condiment Jars, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Cruet Sets, Jam and Jelly Jars, Planters, Vases, Wall Pockets, Cake Stands, Dinner Ware Sets, Serving Bowls, Serving Trays, Butter Dishes, Teapots, Pitchers and more.


Today these kitschy anthropomorphic collectibles can be found online, on EBay, Etsy, Rubylane, and in antique and collectibles shops all over the country but in small quantities. Collectors tend to collect based on manufacturer or theme – say all red apple items or only the lemon heads. Be prepared however to pay top dollar on these items as they are very collectible today and can rage from $29.99  – $3,500 (for the rare Lefton Hot Dog Head condiment jar and Holt Howard Honey jar). I was at a flea market recently and spotted a pair of vintage 1950s anthropomorphic fruit head salt and pepper shakers in horrible condition with lots of crazing and paint wear and the seller was asking $40 for them and when I attempted to negotiate he just looked at me and said “Do you know what these are? They are from 50s and very collectible today” and he was not going to budge on price.

Collecting vintage anthropomorphic kitchen ceramics are a REALLY fun type of collectible as their bright colors and big smiles and expressive faces are so darn cute and charming so they appeal to lots of folks. Today, finding pieces to complete a set or add to a growing collection are getting more and more difficult and prices are climbing.  Do you collect vintage anthropomorphic kitchen ceramics? Send us a note and let us know about your collection.

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Vintage Kitchen Collectibles New Finds Very Retro

Aren’t these the cutest? This is the time of year for smiles and celebrations and adding color into our lives. These vintage and retro kitchen collectibles are all anthropomorphic and many made by PY Miyao and have such big eyes, are flirty, and will put a smile on your face. We were so lucky to come across the rare Py “Office Helper” series clock face shakers and the Lefton Pixieware boy and girl salt and pepper shakers too. Details Here!!

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