Mexican Pottery Cat Appraisal

Mexican Talavera Style Ceramic Cat Figurine

This item is a decorative ceramic cat figurine, exhibiting characteristics reminiscent of traditional Mexican Talavera or folk art styles. Its primary color is a vibrant cobalt blue, which serves as the base coat for an array of intricate hand-painted designs. The cat is depicted in a seated or standing upright posture, with its head slightly turned to the left. Notable features include large, expressive eyes painted in white with black pupils and black outlines, and white line details on its face, representing whiskers, and on its head and body, suggesting fur or decorative patterns. The body features curvilinear and geometric motifs in contrasting colors such as hot pink, lime green, and orange. Specifically, the word 'Mexico' is discernible on the side, oriented vertically, confirming its origin or inspiration. The craftsmanship appears to be hand-painted, displaying a somewhat rustic charm with slight irregularities that are common in folk art. The ceramic material has a glossy finish. There are no readily apparent significant condition issues such as chips, cracks, or significant paint loss from the visible areas. The overall impression is one of good preservation, with the colors remaining vivid. Its size appears to be moderate, fitting comfortably within a person's hand, suggesting it is a tabletop or shelf-sized ornamental piece. The age is difficult to determine precisely without further markings, but its style suggests it could be a contemporary piece inspired by traditional Mexican handicraft, possibly from the late 20th or early 21st century.