Shearwater Appraisal

Shearwater Pottery Music-Themed Cat Figurine

This is a Shearwater cast pottery cat figurine, measuring approximately 12 inches by 11 inches. The mold for this piece was designed by Walter Inglis Anderson, and the intricate decoration was executed by Patricia Anderson Findeisen, making it a fully marked, commissioned piece. The cat is depicted in a seated posture, with its tail curled slightly around its right flank, and its head turned towards its left. The primary color palette of the decoration includes rich amber, deep forest green, various shades of brown, muted purple, and black with segments of off-white or cream acting as a base color. The surface is adorned with an elaborate, hand-painted pattern incorporating musical motifs such as a saxophone, musical notes, a treble clef, a keyboard (piano keys), and a drum. These musical elements are intertwined with organic, swirling abstract designs, reminiscent of Art Nouveau or Celtic knotwork. The application of the glazes appears to be precise, indicating skilled craftsmanship. The surface exhibits a glossy finish. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear, suggesting the item is in excellent condition. The overall quality of the modeling and the detailed decoration points to a high level of artistry and indicates a piece of significant artistic and cultural value from a renowned pottery studio.