Nicholas Mosse Log Cabin Butter Dish with Sleeping Spotted Cat
Nicholas Mosse Pottery · Kitchenware > Butter Dishes
Era / Decade
Early 2000s based on glaze and pattern style; current production continues similar styles
Material
Hand-crafted and hand-painted Irish stoneware; thick ceramic with high-gloss sponge-ware glaze in blue and cream.
Condition
Very Good. No visible chips or cracks. The presence of shipping tape suggests it is being held together as a set (base and lid). Possible minor crazing typical of handmade stoneware.
Demand Level
Strong; Nicholas Mosse has a cult following among cottagecore enthusiasts and Irish pottery collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$65.00 - $85.00 - $115.00
Estimated Retail Value
$110.00 - $140.00
Comparable Sales
Standard Nicholas Mosse butter dishes consistently sell for $45-$60. Sculptural roof versions (like the cabin or animal-topped lids) fetch a premium, with recent sales on eBay and Etsy ranging from $90 to $125 depending on rarity and color.
Description
A charming and highly collectible Nicholas Mosse handcrafted stoneware butter dish. This piece features the sculptural 'Log Cabin' design with a whimsical spotted blue cat sleeping atop the roof lid. Hand-painted in Ireland using traditional sponge-ware techniques, the cream-colored cabin is accented with deep cobalt blue details on the chimneys, base, and windows. Dimensions are approximately 7 inches long and 6 inches high.
Key Features
Scarcity of the 'Cat on Roof' model compared to standard patterns; hand-painted in Ireland; high-end ceramic brand with a dedicated collector base; sturdy stoneware construction.
Authenticity Indicators
Distinctive cobalt blue sponge-ware style; weight is significantly heavier than mass-produced replicas; base should feature an impressed or stamped 'Nicholas Mosse' mark. High confidence.
Flaws to Note
Residue from the clear shipping tape will need careful removal with Goo-Gone or warm soap; check for 'flea bites' on the inner rim where the lid meets the base; check for glazing pops which are common in handmade pottery.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is best for reaching a global collector base; Etsy is excellent for handmade vintage aesthetics; Facebook Groups dedicated to Irish pottery.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Irish Pottery', 'Sponge Ware', 'Cottagecore', and 'Kilkenny'. Remove the tape immediately to prevent permanent adhesive damage. Photograph the maker's mark on the bottom clearly. Ship with double boxes as this is a high-breakage item.