Figurine

Object/Artifact

-

St. Joseph Museums

The image showcases a small ceramic figurine of a white cat lying on its back with its paws playfully raised in the air, resting on a textured surface. The cat has a detailed, slightly whimsical expression with wide eyes and delicate features, resembling a playful or relaxed pose one might see in a real kitten at rest. Attached to the figurine is a small handwritten tag, secured by a piece of string around one of the cat’s paws. The tag contains the text “12:3:942, Ceramic White Cat, G203 6C,” which likely serves as an inventory or cataloging label, possibly indicating the item’s identification number or a code relevant to its storage or display setting, suggesting it might be part of a collection or for sale. The setting appears to be calm, perhaps indicative of storage, an exhibition, or a shop display focused on decorative or collectible items. The figurine’s charming appearance might appeal to collectors of cat-themed items or ceramic figures, reflecting artistry and attention

The image showcases a small ceramic figurine of a white cat lying on its back with its paws playfully raised in the air, resting on a textured surface. The cat has a detailed, slightly whimsical expression with wide eyes and delicate features, resembling a playful or relaxed pose one might see in a real kitten at rest. Attached to the figurine is a small handwritten tag, secured by a piece of string around one of the cat’s paws. The tag contains the text “12:3:942, Ceramic White Cat, G203 6C,” which likely serves as an inventory or cataloging label, possibly indicating the item’s identification number or a code relevant to its storage or display setting, suggesting it might be part of a collection or for sale. The setting appears to be calm, perhaps indicative of storage, an exhibition, or a shop display focused on decorative or collectible items. The figurine’s charming appearance might appeal to collectors of cat-themed items or ceramic figures, reflecting artistry and attention

Name/Title

Figurine

Entry/Object ID

2012.3.942

Description

Ceramic cat figurine. White, laying down on side with paws in the air.

Collection

Doll Museum, CERAMICS

Made/Created

Date made

1948 - 1970

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Tertiary Object Term

Figurine

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Statue

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Sculpture

Nomenclature Class

Art

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Dimensions

Height

8-3/16 in

Width

6-1/2 in

Maintenance

Maintenance History

Date

Oct 16, 2018

Research Notes

Notes

This playing cat figurine was created and manufactured by the Lefton Ceramics company, started by George Zoltan Lefton in 1941 in Chicago, IL. After World War II, the type of manufacturing in Japan was strictly limited due to the Allied forces' fear of Japan rearming itself. Porcelain production was considered an acceptable business venture, and Lefton was among the first American businessmen to begin working with Japanese porcelain companies after World War II. Lefton Ceramics produced thousands of immensely popular products throughout the years, becoming highly sought after collector pieces. These pieces ranged from cookie jars, vases, formal dinnerware, candlesticks, etc and were known for their intricate hand painted details. Cat figurines, like this one, were a popular product and Lefton Ceramics produced a wide variety of cat figurines throughout the years.