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736 - Rare Chinese export blue and white porcelain nightlight in the form of a seated cat, Kangxi ca. 1700. The spotted feline modeled in an upright seated position, the fur and whiskers picked out in blue. With pierced eyes and mouth open to reveal two teeth and a tongue. Provenance: Robert Lee and Melanie Gill Collection, New York; The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York, 25 October 2002; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Lot Essay: This Kangxi porcelain cat, originally functioning as a nightlight, exemplifies a major trend in 18th- and 19th-century French collecting, where such luminous monochrome figures were highly prized and frequently mounted on elaborate gilt-bronze bases. Beyond its popularity in France, this model catalyzed a global demand for ceramic felines, inspiring subsequent export production across China and Japan, as well as imitations by European manufacturers like Meissen and Staffordshire. The figure bridges two cultural traditions, representing a protector against mice and evil spirits in Chinese symbolism while appealing to European audiences who commonly viewed felines as playful and mischievous. Height: 7 1/2 in x width: 6 1/2 in x depth: 4 in.
Starting price
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Estimation
USD 1,000 - 2,000 (€890 - 1,800)Sale fees
Rare Chinese export blue and white porcelain nightlight in the form of a seated cat, Kangxi ca. 1700. The spotted feline modeled in an upright seated position, the fur and whiskers picked out in blue. With pierced eyes and mouth open to reveal two teeth and a tongue. Provenance: Robert Lee and Melanie Gill Collection, New York; The Chinese Porcelain Company, New York, 25 October 2002; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Lot Essay: This Kangxi porcelain cat, originally functioning as a nightlight, exemplifies a major trend in 18th- and 19th-century French collecting, where such luminous monochrome figures were highly prized and frequently mounted on elaborate gilt-bronze bases. Beyond its popularity in France, this model catalyzed a global demand for ceramic felines, inspiring subsequent export production across China and Japan, as well as imitations by European manufacturers like Meissen and Staffordshire. The figure bridges two cultural traditions, representing a protector against mice and evil spirits in Chinese symbolism while appealing to European audiences who commonly viewed felines as playful and mischievous. Height: 7 1/2 in x width: 6 1/2 in x depth: 4 in.
Auction details
The Leo & Doris Hodroff Collection: Chinese ExportAuction house
Revere Auction +16 1 24 40 69 85 info@revereauctions.comDelivery is optional. You can use the carrier of your choice. The stated price does not include the lot price or the auction house fees.