McCoy Pottery Hanging Pot

Date: c. 1920s–1930s
Medium: Glazed earthenware (Ceramic)
Dimensions: 4 3/4 inches (Height); 7 inches (Width)

This vintage hanging planter is a classic example of the “Leaves and Berries” pattern produced by the Nelson McCoy Pottery Company during its early “Arts and Crafts” influenced period. The piece features a high-relief design of stylized holly-like leaves and clusters of berries that wrap around the bulbous body of the pot. Rendered in a soft cream-colored matte glaze, the planter lacks the colorful “washes” often seen on later versions, giving it a more monochromatic, architectural look. The three small, circular holes near the rim are original to the design, intended to hold the metal chains or cords used to suspend the pot in a conservatory or sunroom.

The visible crazing (the network of fine lines in the glaze) and the slight mineral staining are common characteristics of McCoy’s early earthenware, caused by the natural expansion and contraction of the clay body over a century of use. Because many McCoy pieces from this “middle period” were sold through regional distributors and department stores without formal branding, they are frequently found unmarked. For collectors, the identity of the piece is confirmed by the specific “blunt” modeling of the leaf tips and the “nested” arrangement of the berry clusters, which were proprietary designs of the Zanesville, Ohio factory.