Staffordshire cats. I'm confused are these luster glaze, or pearlware or what exactly?

I'm pretty sure they're 19th cent. with the vent hole and the glaze under the base but how do we describe them in more detail?

 

They just seem to be standard figures, I don't detect anything special about the glaze etc. I guess they are these: https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/STAFFORDSHIRE-SEATED-CATS/BA16764F3A493ED04E5A4B8F59293EF2

Staffs figures are well covered, so if original you should be able to research matching examples easily enough. The mould is the important part, not the painting. Here are some similar https://www.davidduggleby.com/aucti...catsmodelledseateduponcushionswi.aspx?search=

Good fakers would take moulds from real figures, the fakes are then smaller (due to shrinkage) and they also loose some detail. Study the mouldings carefully for evidence of this.
https://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm/index/8825-staffordshire-potteries-england-item-types-cats/

Plenty more if you search.

 

OK, I would do some research before purchasing. I'm not saying these aren't genuine Staff figs, but cats are particularly collectible (like the dogs which are probably the most copied/faked) so one should be careful. What's bothering me about this pair is the lack of wear (glaze is pretty pristine) and the pale pink and green glaze. Also, the gilding shouldn't be super bright. Staff figs were made and copied into the turn of the 20th c, so you can have 19th c copies of earlier figures.

 

Oh I knew that about cast iron but I did not know that about ceramic. Thanks CBCA

 

HOw do they compare to this pair of cats? These came up at auction about a month ago. These seem more authentic because of the texture but I dont know...

 

The reason I mention lusterware is because of the green and pink I see on these cats I saw on worthpoint:

He describes them as Sunderland luster glaze or something and mentions the pink color is from a gold solution. This listing:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/pair-early19th-staffordshire-cats-432019137

 

these ones also from Worthpoint said to be from c1940 and also show a similar faded pink and green on the base. These ones are also marked: "Staffordshire Ware England"

 

Pretty much all the marked figures would be from the 20th c and therefore reproductions. William Kent (no relation AFAIK) made reproductions from moulds from earlier factories. http://www.thepotteries.org/allpotters/629a.htm. The ones you are asking about are not lustre ware. The desirable figures are earlier ones and have a charm and naivete that collectors like. Here's a pricey one from ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291520350371

 

well what did you think about the second set I posted? the ones that don't have a base. Are you saying those are 20th century as well?

 

Probably.

 

wow interesting. So you look primarily at the mold shape as well as the coloring? at least to make an initial judgment just from pictures.

 

I'm no expert, but from viewing them at auction and at antique shows, plus a little bit of reading and info from people on forums like this, you get an idea. Not 100% failsafe, but that's how knowledge is gained.