One of the forms that porcelain in all its many types is perfect to portray is the cat. Whether the smooth white of pure porcelain or a rougher, colored glaze on regular pottery clay, the fluid form and finish of ceramics can evoke the best features of our feline friends. A collection of porcelain cats is not only easy to accumulate, but it brings pleasure not only in the look of the figurines, but in their feel.

I would venture to say that all porcelain and china manufacturing companies take at least one or two stabs at producing cat figurines because the clay body is so wonderfully suitable to portray the graceful, sleek person of a cat. The clay calls out to be formed into a cat shape, with the smooth line of the flexible spine and the sleek body and head. Whether curled into a puddle of fur or stretched out keeping watch, the clay cat is a form of grace. Details can be added with swift indents to form toes, or the details can be provided by strokes of glaze. Even unglazed and only bisque fired the porcelain cat figurine is wonderful.

White ceramic cat.

For cats with rougher coats, pottery clay and the rougher glazes are appropriate materials. These cats have more texture to their surface and can be modeled more robustly. The color of the clay can be the final color of the figurine, as all the earth tones of clay have representative in the cat world. Combinations of glazes can portray the felines with multiple coat colors or those with color points. Stoneware can also produce a wonderful at figurine, and one that has the weight of a sleeping cat. (Have you ever noticed how heavy a sleeping cat can be, when it is practically as light as a feather when awake?)

Start looking for clay cats and kittens and you will soon see that the cat is as popular a subject for porcelain makers as dogs are. The dog figurines are usually more likely to portray dog breeds, while the cat figurines are split between cat breeds and showing the usual attitudes of a generic cat. Standing, sitting, laying down, awake, asleep, and somewhere in between, there are cat figurines for every state and cat color combination, as well as those that go beyond the cat color wheel to use whimsy to portray this marvelous friend of ours in rainbow colors.

There is practically no end to the cat figurines, both in production today and vintage cat figurines. You have only to decide where t start, and let your own choices and the gifts of friends direct the direction your collection takes. From the finest porcelain from the most expensive manufacturer, to the cat from the dollar store, you will find a world of clay cats once you start looking.

* * * Look for cat ceramic canisters for your kitchen. * * *

The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.

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