Product Description

A charming early Victorian Staffordshire cat figure, dating from around the 1840s, beautifully decorated with delicate hand-painted floral motifs across the body.

Staffordshire cat figures were traditionally made in pairs and displayed in Victorian homes as decorative ornaments. This example survives as a single cat from what would originally have been a pair, and it remains a wonderfully characterful piece in its own right.

The cat is decorated with finely painted floral sprigs and small scattered blossoms, giving the figure a particularly elegant appearance compared with the more commonly seen plain or spotted examples. The soft cream glaze, pink ribbon collar and bright red cushion base with gilt detailing create a striking yet charming colour combination.

Early Staffordshire figures such as this were moulded by hand and then individually painted, meaning each example has its own unique character. The expressive face, slightly naïve modelling and hand-painted decoration are all typical features of mid-19th century Staffordshire pottery.

Pieces of this floral-decorated design are considered relatively scarce and are usually found as pairs. Even as a single figure, this cat makes a beautiful decorative object and displays wonderfully on a mantelpiece, shelf or cabinet.

Key Features

• Antique Staffordshire pottery cat figure
• Dating from the early Victorian period, circa 1840s
• Hand-painted floral decoration across the body
• Traditional red cushion base with gilt detailing
• Expressive naïve modelling typical of early Staffordshire figures
• Originally part of a pair, now surviving as a single cat
• A charming decorative piece for mantelpieces, shelves or cabinets
• A lovely example of early English Staffordshire pottery

Size

(H) 18cm

(W) 10cm

(D) 8cm

Condition

In good antique condition for a figure of this age.

There are small chips and areas of wear to the cushion base, consistent with age and handling. The glaze shows natural crazing typical of early Staffordshire pottery. One ear shows a small irregularity which appears to be from the original moulding rather than later damage.

The firing hole visible between the legs is typical of early Staffordshire figures and is part of the original manufacturing process.

Overall, the figure remains a very attractive and well-preserved example of early Victorian Staffordshire pottery.