Cat 1750 - 1760

This porcelain cat was made at the Saint James’s Factory in England, sometime between 1749 and 1759. The Saint James’s factory was one of the earliest British manufacturers of soft-paste porcelain, and its products reflect the rococo tastes of the period. This small figurine is a fascinating example of how the decorative arts reflected social status. Porcelain figurines like this were luxury items, displayed in the homes of the wealthy to show off their refined taste and purchasing power. The cat itself, with its playful pose and meticulously painted details, suggests a fascination with domestic animals as symbols of comfort and gentility. To understand this piece better, we can look at estate inventories from the period, which list the kinds of items that wealthy people owned. We might also consult the records of the Saint James’s factory to learn more about its production methods and clientele. Examining art in its historical context allows us to appreciate its deeper cultural meanings.