When J.D. and Pat started producing the jars, the huge reproduction problems that we see today had not yet started. There are some that might say the problem started then, but times were different.
When faced with wanting e.g. a American Bisque Mohawk Indian, most collectors could not afford to pay thousands for the original jar, nor was it easily found. The J.D. version was still costly, selling for $250 -$300 and collectors purchasing it were just happy to have the representation in their collection.
Read his story, how he started and just where he got the molds to make those reproductions.
A Chat with JD James
It's always an interesting story on how one starts their business or what makes them create their art. J.D.'s story is a little different than most artists. Basically he saw a niche and decided to fill it.While living in Florida (pre-1990) J.D., with his wife Pat, painted and sold pieces of greenware flower shops and florists. He decided to try making a mold using a set of characters he purchased.
List of Jars from Pottery by JD
Hake's
Although J.D. James was known in the early years for doing reproduction cookie jars, he soon went into producing high quality original designs. His subjects cover everything from Jacqueline Kennedy to the Pepsi Cops. The painting and finishing touches are done by his wife Pat.
Cookie Jar Gallery
The image gallery shows a sampling of jar produced by JD James and with finishing touches down by his wife Pat.Text Price Guide List
JD James
A text list of prices a collector might expect to pay for a JD James cookie jar.
