Cat nightlights were made as early as the late Ming period. Two blue and white examples were found in the first Hatcher cargo (sold Christie's, Amsterdam, 14 March 1984, lots 279 and 280.) The French Jesuit Père d'Entrecolles was famously struck by the form on his Kangxi period visit to Jingdezhen, writing, "I have seen a cat painted after life, in the head of which a little lamp was put to illuminate the eyes, and was assured that in the night the rats were terrified by it."
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Chinese Export Art Featuring Property from the Tibor Collection
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Condition report
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His ears with a few tiny chips to tips. Otherwise nice condition with only some light rubbing and wear; a few firing lines visible to the inside.