Chinese Export Porcelain Turquoise Pair of Cats

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Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Cats with Turquoise Glaze

This striking pair of Chinese porcelain figures, dating from the Early … Read more Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Cats with Turquoise Glaze

This striking pair of Chinese porcelain figures, dating from the Early 20th Century, depicts two domesticated cats posed as a facing, mirrored pair.

Each cat is sculpted in a slightly alert, recumbent position, with their bodies turned subtly inward toward each other. The tails are curled elegantly upwards and around the front paws. Their faces feature large, wide-set eyes—enhanced by a detailed, lifelike expression—and alert, pricked ears.

The figures are entirely covered in a rich, vibrant turquoise glaze, which pools slightly in the crevices of the modeling, enhancing the texture of the fur and musculature. The glaze is characteristic of 20th-century Chinese porcelain made for export, valued for its saturated color and decorative impact.

Dimensions: 4 inches high x 5 inches wide x 3 1/4 inches deep.

Condition: Good antique condition, with minimal wear consistent with age.

Historical Context: The Export of Chinese Animal Figurines (Early 20th Century)

Turquoise Glaze and Decorative Wares: The use of bright, single-color glazes, particularly turquoise, green, and deep blue, became highly fashionable on decorative Chinese porcelain destined for European and American markets in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These glazes, often referred to as monochrome were produced in the kilns of Jingdezhen, where potters adapted traditional glazes for commercial export demand.

The Cat as a Subject: Figures of domestic and wild animals were consistently popular items in the China Trade. While often possessing symbolic meanings in China (such as the cat symbolizing luck or protection from evil spirits), these pieces were primarily purchased by Western consumers purely for their exotic aesthetic and decorative value. Pieces like these were often used as part of mantelpiece garnitures or as striking focal points in rooms influenced by the concurrent Chinoiserie and Art Deco movements, which prized bold color and exotic forms. Their robust construction and playful design ensured their continued appeal as highly decorative export wares.

(Ref: NY10579-A-) See less