Pottery Mark Query - Incised Smiling Cat on Base of Ornate Frog Vase

by Debbie
(South Lyon, MI)

Pottery Mark Query - Incised Smiling Cat on Base of Ornate Frog Vase:- I have a beautiful 8" vase with the design of a frog and (what I think is) a lotus flower. These figures are part of the pottery, they stand out from the vase itself and not painted on. The background of the vase is brown the frog sits at the bottom, on a leaf. The lotus flower and it's leaves reach from the bottom of the vase near the frog up the vase to a 1.5" lip. The mark in question is on the bottom of the vase as small imprint/stamp that is impossible to see without magnification. Under magnification a creature of some sort is seen, the face looks similar to a "Cheshire"-like cat with pointed ears and an open smile with distinguishable lips and some teeth. The forelegs are curved under the head and the face appears to rest on them. The rear legs and paws are more easily distinguished. The body seems to have some decoration on it, but I cannot make out anything to describe. The tail seems to curve up and rest on top of the body. No text is seen. Next to this mark is a stamped 68. and near it is an "S" that looks like it was hand inscribed. I've tried many ways to get a picture of the mark but I cannot get any closer than what I have attached. The detail is too minuscule. What you can see is where the mark is located in relation to the 68 and the S. I have searched the newsletter's archives and can't find anything to match. I've also researched the web and published books but can't find any marks to match what I see. I hope you or someone reading this can help. You offer a great service!

Thanks!!

Debbie

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Pottery Mark Query - Incised Smiling Cat on Base of Ornate Frog Vase

Hi Debbie

Knowledgeable contributors please try to help with this one (check out the comments section below for replies). Me a bit stumped.

Peter (admin)

p.s. The following page is a 'must see' if you are researching fine china - for value and identification:-

Researching the identity and value of antique and vintage fine china.

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