A BLUE AND WHITE GLAZED 'CAT' WATER POT, LATE 17TH CENTURY

A BLUE AND WHITE GLAZED 'CAT' WATER POT, LATE 17TH CENTURY

Expert's note:
As demonstrated by the closely related example in the British Museum (see literature comparison), the present vessel was originally conceived as a waterpot or water dropper and dates to the second half of the 17th century. At a later date, however, it was evidently repurposed as a saliera, or salt cellar, as confirmed by the accompanying silver salt spoon. Such adaptations were by no means unusual and occurred frequently in European aristocratic households during the 18th and 19th centuries.

China. Finely modeled as a recumbent cat with curled tail, alert eyes picked out in black, and pricked ears. The fur detailed with cobalt blue splotches and the interior and base unglazed, revealing the white ware.

The silver spoon in form of a sakura blossom with curved handle terminating in a pavilion finial, the underside with a 'Sterling Japan' mark.

Provenance: The property of a Gentleman in the United Kingdom.

Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear. The silver spoon with minor nicks and some tarnishing.

Weight: 23.4 g (excl. stand), 28.8 g (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Length 5.1 cm (excl. stand), 5.3 (incl. stand)

With a lacquered wood stand. (3)

Literature comparison:
Compare a blue and white cat-form water vessel, together with three other water droppers and vessels, Jingdezhen, dated 1644-1700, in the British Museum, museum number 1947,0712.326.

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