Topic: any ideas on this vase with black cat decorations

[ju1i3]

This small vase is intriguing. Although the orange inside is worn, the cats on the outside are almost perfect.  I know it's insignificant but any ideas on when and where it was made. Thanks.

[Paul S.]

Hi Julie  -  regret I don't have the answers that you want, but am curious about the colours.                Presumably these are simply painted on - and assume the designs on the cats and wool are a sort of sgraffito (scratched into what would have been wet colour) - also same with what looks like a white ground.                    The black rim looks remarkably free from loss of colour assuming this has some age.                Can't really see the base clearly enough to detect the extent of wear  -  is there much??

Ordinarily, I'd suggest this was possibly from the 1930/40 period - I believe they were keen on cats and dogs - to the extent that some Registered designs were made in the form of models of such animals.           But the painted on decoration worries me  -  perhaps it spent a lot of time in granny's cupboard.             Is there evidence of internal water staining?

Sorry this isn't of any help

P.S.    how small is 'small' please

[Ivo]

it is frosted so the paint adheres better, a typical process of several decorators around Liege in the 1920s and 30s.

[ju1i3]

Thanks both for the info. Yes, 20s/30s/40s looks right for the style, or what I imagine the style could be, personally, I've never seen anything exactly like this.

It's 7.5 cm tall. Hard to tell about water staining inside with the frosted effect. The base as well. Looks like some wear but not extensive.