History
The Cookie Jar's humble origins began as a simple place to store treats. The jar was an enclosed container which aided in keeping pastries and treats fresh and away from the elements and insects. The artistic expression of the cookie jar came with the popular use of ceramics in the 1930's. The Brush Pottery Company of Zanesville is crediting with producing the first cookie jar made of ceramic. Since then the jar has been used as a decorative item to accentuate a kitchen. It's usually inviting and child friendly design implies the storage of a treat. Not surprisingly it wouldn't be long before cookie jars became collectibles, since the designs of a usually references a period and the popular culture of the time. Different Cookie jars also symbolize the seasons and holidays.
Popular Metaphor
"Hand in the cookie jar" is a popular metaphor for being caught doing something tempting and wrong .