A large earthenware figure of a sitting cat on an oval base. It has a spattered / dribbled two-tone treacleware glaze over a pale red-buff body. The facial features appear to have been enhanced with hand-done incisions. The base is closed with two round holes (one is blocked), and has a very shallow foot rim. English.
These cat figures are fairly rare. There are examples known with a white body and spattered coloured glazes, including green, as well as standard one colour treacleware versions.
The final group photo shows a ‘cat with mouse’ moneybox (coin bank) to give an idea of how large this cat figure is in comparison.
Pot ID:
AP/805
Date:
c.1850-1875
Dimensions:
277 mm high (to top of right ear tip).
Weight (grams):
2240
Top front part of left ear is restored. Most of the base edge and part of base (forward edge) is over-painted and presumed to be restored. The cat’s front left leg has been broken across the top and also where the paw contacts the base - and reattached with restoration over the breaks. There are several small surface chips and wear to the glaze - especially on the back. Some of the over-painting has been poorly removed.
Black Basalt
Saltglaze Stoneware
Flasks
