Cat 1740 - 1750

This ceramic figurine of a cat, created by English potter John Astbury between 1740 and 1750, demonstrates the craftsmanship of the Staffordshire pottery industry during the early 18th century. Astbury, known for his innovative use of slip decoration, has rendered the cat's striped coat with striking detail, using black and white slip to mimic the animal's natural markings. This whimsical depiction of a cat reflects the growing interest in naturalistic animal representations during this period.