Antique French Turquoise Glazed Pottery Cat Figurine, 1890s

Details

Description

Inset vibrant green glass eyes and an exaggerated facial expression define this characterful grotesque feline figure. Modelled in an upright … Read more Inset vibrant green glass eyes and an exaggerated facial expression define this characterful grotesque feline figure. Modelled in an upright seated posture, the cat features an elongated neck, a relief-moulded collar hung with a small round bell, and widely parted jaws revealing the lower tongue in a theatrical hiss or grin. Deeply moulded whiskers and arched brow ridges frame the glass pupils. The hollow-cast earthenware body is enveloped in a glossy monochrome turquoise glaze. This glaze pools into the recesses of the toes, ears, and facial modelling while thinning slightly over raised edges. Along the cat's left flank, the slender tail arches upwards and rests flat against the hindquarters, providing both structural support and clean visual lines. Dating to circa 1900, grotesque animal figurines of this distinctive style were manufactured across northern France and Belgium, most notably associated with the Mosanic pottery trade and related regional faience works influenced by Émile Gallé's novelty models. The hollowed base displays reddish-brown earthenware body clay around the unglazed standing rim, with a small firing vent hole pierced beneath one front paw.

Standing 28 cm high with a base footprint of approximately 28 cm in length, the piece presents strong shelf presence. Previous structural restoration is present across the legs, showing stable aged overpaint and associated surface discolouration near the joints. The turquoise glaze elsewhere remains bright with fine age-appropriate surface wear, and the inset glass eyes are intact and firmly seated. See less