Topic: Plichta Cat

[cstein]

This is the best I could get.  Hopefully you will be able to see it.  It say Plichta, London, England, Hand Painted.
The color of the stamp is grayish and it is under the glazing.
Thanks,
Cathy

[Anne]

She's a beauty for sure Cathy, and well done getting the pics sorted finally.  I see what you mean about the dots being a different layout. It seems all three of these polka dot animals had different dot patterns - almost as if they were trials to see which worked best.

[cstein]

Thanks Anne,
She is pretty if I do say so myself!  Did you look at the link that had the Plichta pig on it with polka dots?  Does it seem like there aren't enough spots on it or are they just spread out farther from each other because the pig is small?
I asked my dad how old it is.  He says that it was around as long as he can remember and he was born in 1934.  He also mentioned that Sadie (his mother) really liked antiques.   So does that mean it was an antique to her back in the 30's?  I just don't know and I don't think dad can really remember either.
So what do you think Anne?  You are something of an expert on this stuff.  I would love to hear your opinion of her, especially any thoughts on how old she is.
I am really excited to hear back from Sotheby's.  I will paste her reply here when it comes.  I hope she writes back!
Cathy

[josordoni]

Hi Cathy, Jan Plichta was a wholesaler active between 1930 and 1950, so your cat is going to be from between these dates.

Because each item is hand painted there is always a lot of leeway for differences in the design. Often this is how a painter can be identified by someone who has made a study of the pottery, although I couldn't say anything other than the cabbage roses which were the trade mark of Karel Nekola - there is a lot of information in the links we have given you, so I hope you will enjoy reading about Plichta and Wemyss!