Miniature seal in the form of a cat
Medium
Soft-paste porcelain, carnelian, metal, gilt metal
Dimensions
Height: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Porcelain
Culture
British, Chelsea
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Garbat, 1961
Accession Number
61.107.431
Tags
About this artwork
This miniature seal in the form of a cat, crafted by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory during the Red Anchor Period (circa 1753–58), exemplifies the English factory's celebrated production of porcelain toys. The Chelsea manufactory, established around 1743–45, became England's first important porcelain producer, creating soft-paste porcelain throughout its existence. During the 1750s and 1760s, Chelsea gained particular fame for its toys—charming small objects including bonbonnières, scent bottl...
About the Artist
Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory · 1744–1784
**Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory** The Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, Britain's pioneering porcelain enterprise, was founded around 1743 in Chelsea, London, by two Huguenot silversmiths: Nicholas Sprimont from Liège and Charles Gouyn. Sprimont, trained in Paris as a goldsmith before immigrating to England, brought his expertise in luxury metalwork to the venture, while Gouyn handled early sales th...