Playful Glazed Ceramic “Scaredy-Cat” Kitten, c. 1920 - 8" x 10¼"

This wonderfully expressive early 20th-century glazed ceramic kitten could be a production of the celebrated Bavent pottery in Normandy, or at least was made in its tradition. It is modeled in a comically startled pose, with its back sharply arched, legs braced, head lowered and tail raised. Its wide green glass eyes, or yeux en sulfure, heighten the slightly anxious “scaredy-cat” expression, while the cream glaze is softly shaded with caramel and deep brown. The figure is hollow, with a firing vent underneath and a smaller opening beneath the tail, and remains unsigned. It is in very good overall condition. The glossy glaze shows the gentle irregularities and variations that give these handmade animals much of their charm, while one glass eye has an old crack that remains discreet in the overall appearance.

The Bavent potteries became particularly celebrated around 1900 for their glazed architectural ornaments, especially elaborate roof finials (épis de faîtage) in the form of animals and fantastical creatures. Their popularity grew alongside the development of Normandy’s seaside resorts and expanding rail travel. Small freestanding versions of these roof animals, such as this kitten, were also widely produced for interior display, often sold as souvenirs to visitors.

With its glossy glaze, vivid eyes and somewhat theatrical pose, this little figure has plenty of playful charm displayed on a mantel or bookshelf, among a collection of ceramics, or as a whimsical accent in a child’s bedroom or nursery.