Miniature seal in the form of a cat 1753 - 1758

This miniature seal in the form of a cat was created with porcelain by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory between 1744 and 1784. During this time, porcelain figurines became fashionable status symbols, reflecting both wealth and taste. But this piece does more than just display status. The tiny loop suggests it was worn, perhaps close to the heart, becoming a deeply personal object. Note the inscription "LA PUIT." In eighteenth-century France, cats were frequently associated with femininity and domesticity. The inscription hinting at 'purity' adds layers to how we might interpret the object in relation to gender, virtue, and societal expectations. The piece invites us to reflect on the intimate connections between personal adornment, social identity, and the cultural meanings we attach to animals.