Blue & White Antique Cat

Item Overview

• Type: Decorative porcelain/cat figurine
• Material: Likely porcelain or glazed ceramic
• Design: Blue floral transfer or hand-applied pattern over a white base glaze
• Interior: Hollow
• Size: Approx. 6.5" tall × 4.5" wide
• Weight: ~1 lb
• Condition: Good – no visible chips, cracks, or crazing
• Date Estimate: Pre-1990s, possibly mid-20th century
• For Sale: Yes

🧾 Description & Characteristics

This piece is a glazed blue-and-white porcelain or ceramic cat, designed in a seated posture. The exterior features a highly decorative floral motif, either:

• Transferware (decal-style print applied under the glaze), or
• Spongeware-style, where patterns are manually sponged on, giving a mottled, hand-painted appearance.

The surface is high-gloss glazed, typical of decorative export ceramics from the mid-20th century, particularly those made in:

• Japan (Occupied or post-occupied period)
• China (export wares, especially pre-Cultural Revolution)
• England or USA (e.g., Staffordshire or California pottery)

The bottom being unglazed or rough-textured is typical of mass-produced or hand-glazed figures. No visible maker's mark is present from the images, which can affect identification and value but doesn't rule out collectibility.

🔍 Market Comparison & Value

Similar blue-and-white porcelain animal figurines — especially cats — are popular among collectors of chinoiserie, English transferware, or Japanese decorative ceramics. Comparable values depend on age, maker, and quality:

Item Type

Estimated Value (USD)

Vintage Japanese Blue/White Cat (unmarked)

$25 – $50

Hand-decorated Transferware Cat (mid-century)

$40 – $85

Antique Staffordshire / Marked Export Figurine

$75 – $150+

Given your piece’s:

• Good condition
• Decorative floral motif
• Unmarked base (reducing attribution certainty)

The current market value is estimated at $40–$70 in an online resale or antique shop setting.

✅ Authentication Notes:

• If there are any stamps, impressed numbers, or labels on the bottom, that could narrow down origin significantly.
• A UV blacklight may reveal age indicators (e.g., newer glazes fluoresce differently than older ones).
• Slight imperfections in the floral design or glaze pooling would suggest hand-finishing, which may increase desirability.

🛡️ Recommendations:

1. To Sell:
   • Consider listing on eBay, Etsy, or Chairish under “vintage blue and white porcelain cat figurine.”
   • Be sure to include multiple angles, measurements, and mention "hollow, floral, unmarked base."
2. To Preserve:
   • Keep in a dust-free location out of direct sunlight to prevent glaze discoloration.
   • Wrap with acid-free tissue or bubble wrap if storing.
3. For Further Authentication:
   • Take to a local antiques dealer or ceramic expert—especially one who deals in Asian export or English decorative wares.
   • Some ceramic collector groups online can also help ID unmarked items based on glaze, style, and floral patterns.

📌 Summary

You own a beautiful blue-and-white ceramic cat, likely mid-20th century, and possibly Japanese or Chinese export. While unmarked, its aesthetic appeal, quality, and good condition place it in the $40–$70 range for collectors and decorators. It’s a charming and display-worthy piece that reflects the enduring popularity of floral porcelain animal figures.