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IMPORTANT BELL FAMILY, STRASBURG, VA ATTRIBUTED S

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IMPORTANT BELL FAMILY, STRASBURG, VA ATTRIBUTED SLIP-WASHED EARTHENWARE WHIMSICAL FIGURE OF A CAT, solid form in a seated position with open front legs, long tail curled across the rear haunches and resting between the front legs, the entire figure raised on a U-shape base and profusely decorated with V-gouge punching emulating fur, additional punched and cut decorations designating the ears, eyes, nostrils, collar, and top of base, along with eye-like ovals surrounding the base edge. Probably S. Bell & Son, Strasburg, VA. Fourth quarter 19th century. 5" h, 2 1/8" x 3 3/8" base
Reference: Most closely related to Comstock, p. 241, fig. 5.127.
Basic form parallels Comstock, p. 157, fig. 4.219
Provenance: From a Maryland private collection formed in the 1950s
Note: This most important Folk Art figure is a Tour de Force in regard to its whimsical form and powerful decoration. The artist's addition of only a light slip wash dramatically enhances its three dimensional depth (pop) and striking sculptural qualities.The rooster-top covered jar sited in the first reference above is also decorated with gouge punching as well as circles and ovals, and according to Comstock is stamped "S. BELL & SON." Unfortunately much of the appeal of its decoration is obscured and covered over by the addition of a thick polychrome glaze. Another important example of gouged fur decoration is seen on the dog with monkey rider that is illustrated in Comstock, p. 253, fig. 5.164; it is also attributed to S. Bell & Son.Three additional animal figures that feature the same distinctive punched "eyelid" ovals as seen on this cat, are a pair of seated cats, Comstock, p. 232, fig. 5.90, and a seated dog, Comstock, p. 233, fig. 5.91. Each of these figures is attributed to Solomon Bell

Remarkably near proof condition having only some light flaking to tips of ears and a few very minor surface flakes

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