The traditional Ceramic Piggy Bank holds very fond memories for me. Ever since i can remember we’ve had a rather large deep blue chinese style porcelain pig in the family. I have very strong memories of a yearly ritual that we undertook before every family holiday.
There was only one way to get the coins out and that was the same way they went in. My brother and I developed a fine technique using a butter knife to help the coins slide back out faster. It still took what seemed like hours and with the years the hole slightly widened with the wear.
These days our beloved ceramic pigs usually come with a rubber bung in the bottom so the treasure can be extracted more rapidly and without the risk of the pig being broken. Even with many alternatives there is an enduring love affair with the ceramic pig and it remains the number one best seller. It must be the feel of the porcelain. Perhaps it may also be the ease with which these pigs can be painted and personalized.
Of the Ceramic banks currently available my favorite has to be Russ Berrie’s Pink Pig that measures 4.5″ X 4.5″ X 5.25″. The best part about this cute wee pig is it’s simplicity. They are all hand painted too!
Of course these days we are no longer limited by an obsession with pigs and the number of alternative ceramic animal banks is huge from ladybugs to lions. Take your pick!
