LUCKY FUTURIST CAT

Hand-painted ceramic 'futurist cat' manufactured and retailed by Max Emmanuel in association with, and after a design by, Louis Wain. Measuring 13cm in height. In very good original condition, just a little surface dirt and natural patina. Small chip to the glaze at the bottom of the tail at the rear. Decorated in green, yellow, blue, black and red with 'meow meow' notes and Louis Wain signature in black. The base has the maker's mark and 'made in England' stamped in painted in black and the registration number 63714 impressed in blind.

The 'Lucky Futurist Cat' is one of 19 patented designs from Louis Wain's first production of 'Futurist' ceramics of cats, dogs and pigs. The line was launched with unfortunate timing in June 1914, just as war was overtaking Europe and Great Britain. A second batch, made by Amphora in Austria and Czechoslovakia were produced in 1919.