Cat 1745 - 1755

This charming ceramic cat was made by a Whieldon-type pottery, although we don’t know exactly when. These potteries were known for their colorful glazes. Looking closely, you can see that the surface is mottled, like a tortoiseshell. This was achieved by mixing different metallic oxides into the glaze. The ceramic was then fired at a high temperature, causing the glaze to melt and fuse together. It is impossible to replicate it exactly, giving each piece a unique quality. This kind of pottery was often made using molds, which allowed for relatively quick reproduction. This was a time when the Industrial Revolution was gathering steam, and new markets were opening up for affordable goods. While this cat may have been made with some degree of mechanization, skilled labor was still needed to create the molds, mix the glazes, and fire the pieces. This cat reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be the result of complex interactions between materials, processes, and social forces. It challenges the conventional distinctions between art, craft, and industry.