The Popularized Cat

Ornamental representations of the cat have always been popular.

Fertility amulets in feline form, dating from c. 2300 BC, along with cosmetic pots and gold jewelry, are all evidence of a strong intimacy between cats and the Egyptians.

 Relationships of a similar type can be traced to many parts of the word through artistic relics.

From Persia comes a well-preserved bottle in the shape of a cat, from Crete a fresco of a cat hunting scene, and from Italy an intricately decorated vase. Much later, the Toby jug -originally a beer mug shaped like a man- was produced in feline form in many European countries.

From the 17th century onward, cat figures became fashionable ornaments in both the east and the West-represented and the West - they represented home values. and domestication.

These figurines, sized for the mantelpiece, were made in abundance, but only a few are worthy of museum space. Cats produced by Galle and Faberge inspired a host of cheap imitations.

Other fine examples of rere and expensive collectors' items include German Meissen cats. Dutch Delftware cats, Scottich Wemyss cats, and Ch'ing cats from china.

Some cat form are prized for sentimental or superstitious reasons. The former is the case for a bronze cat made by the French Art Deco sculptor Chassagne.

 Since the mid-1920s the cat has been a permanent fixture at Heal's the famous London department store, and is now considered the company mascot.

Superstitious beliefs have kept Kaspar, a black cat, employed by the Savoy Hotel in London.

He is placed in  the 14th seat, with a napkin  tied around his neck, at dinner parties for groups of "unlucky 13"  and the waiters are instructed to change his place setting for each course of the meal.