Posted 2 years ago
finders9
(81 items)
I purchased this white bisque figure of a sleeping cat a few years ago and subsequent research suggested it might be by Japanese porcelain factory Hirado. It has an impressed mark on the underside. It measures about 8" tall. I'm more of a dog person but I find this cat amazing. Welcome any views regarding source, mark, age or anything else. Thanks
finders9, Cool. :-)
I myself wouldn't call it a sleeping cat so much as a contented, relaxed cat. Probably purring while it sits with its eyes closed.
It seems like it might have been made in more than one size (either that, or there are knock offs):
https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lots/Pair-of-Japanese-Hirado-bisque-porcelain-cats/1063-japanese_hirado-24.5.21-pook
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/asian-art-furniture/ceramics/19th-century-japanese-hirado-porcelain-cat-sculpture/id-f_1513203/
https://www.proxibid.com/Art-Antiques-Collectibles/Collectibles/Hirado-Bisque-Cat/lotInformation/51334689
https://artdecocat.com/en/rare_1800s_life_size_white_hirado_porcelain_sleeping_sitting_cat_example_mint.php
https://www.rubylane.com/item/636424-MP0002848/Japanese-Hirado-bisque-white-porcelain-smiling
The book cited:
https://www.worldcat.org/title/figural-japanese-export-ceramics/oclc/48013798
https://www.isbns.net/isbn/9780764315039/