An original take on the cat night light from the early 20th century. This was described in its listing as being Japanese Kitsch from the 1950s. I think not. It is much too good for that. Looks like 1920s Germany.
The form has been slip cast. Beautifully made with close attention paid to the details. Obviously modelled and moulded by a quality manufacturer.
The surface has dry brushed underglaze decoration. This type of decoration began to appear in the late 19th century at places such as the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory and the Russian Imperial Porcelain Factory.
The eyes are cast and polished glass. The interior is cleverly lit with a small socket and bulb inserted inside the body that tie in with the main light switch of the lamp. You can see the intensity of the glowing eyes when the interior bulb is lit. I was very relieved that there are LED bulbs available that fit these tiny sockets.
It is fixed to the base of the lamp by a soldered rod that I do not wish to disturb. There may be a mark obscured by the base that identifies the maker. My best guess is that it is the work of William Goebel. Maybe one day I will melt the solder to see if I can confirm that but not today.
I do not think this was meant to scare off vermin. I think it more likely relates to aspects of German Expressionism and the feeling of being ill at ease. It’s like Nosferatu in the form of a cat.
I am still searching for the right shade to go on top. Sometimes I think I need to start making my own shades. Always new skills to learn.
Next week we will visit it again in the After Dark series.
