It seems that the Piggy Bank’s origins don’t lie with an inventor but rather with a case of muddy semantics. General consensus is that its name was derived from the orange clay, “pygg” used to create storage jars in Middle Ages. The so-called “pig” jar, which was utilized for items such as dry goods and currency, retained its name long after potters stopped using “pygg” clay to produce pottery. While this is the prevailing theory, there certainly are others which you can read about on the Piggy Bank Page.

Following are a few of my contemporary favorites.

For the minimalist there’s the Moo o o Piggy Bank (above) by designer Savitri Sukul, $16.00 at the MoMA Store.

Sporting an easy fill funnel is Coink by designer Scott Henderson. $36.00 at BabyGeared.

Cast from a mid-century mold, this Piggy Bank by Pamela Barsky actually comes with a little money inside! How much is a surprise. $24.98 at Ochelly.

Honestly the cast resin Piggy Bank by designer Harry Allen kind of creeps me out which would make it perfect for an seven year old boy except for its price tag. $95.00 at Matter.

Made from 100% reconstituted leather is designer Pedro Ressig’s sleek and comical Piggy. $49.00 at Zansisa.

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