Posted 6 years ago
kwqd
(1189 items)
This cat is 12" high and about 6" deep. These were copyrighted in 1961 and were decorated in various colors, but most seem to have been black with painted eyes, whiskers, etc. This one is unusual as it has green glass eyes and a silver collar. Made of chalkware and very heavy. A thrift shop find from ten or twelve years ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalkware
Chalkware is an American term for popular figurines either made of moulded plaster of Paris (usually) or sculpted gypsum, and painted, typically with oils or watercolors.
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Statuary_Corp.
Universal Statuary Corp. was an American, Chicago-based, statue manufacturer.[1] Jack and Leo Lucchesi were brothers that founded the Universal Statuary Corp in the 1930s. Jack ran the business, Leo ran production.
The company produced piggy banks, plaques and (by the late 1930s) large store displays, including Indian statues for western themed restaurants. In the 1950s, they produced chalkware lamps, usually featuring paired male and female figures, and other home decor that is widely collected today.
The company employed many immigrant artisans to design the chalkware and plaster figures and produce the statues, lamps, home decor pieces and display advertising figures. Jack's wife was from Guatemala. Universal made a concerted effort to bring Italian and Guatemalan immigrants to America and help them out.
Universal was also famous for the contract work performed for Sears, Wards and many big advertising firms for their unique 'Point Of Sale' displays and promotions.
I love the geometric design of this cat!
Cool cat! My cousin the ultimate cat lady will love this.
@racer4four - If I had another image, I would show the back. The angle are even more evident from behind.
@Toyrebel - You can still find these on ebay, Etsy, etc., but they are starting to get a bit pricey.
I have him/her (undecided) sitting behind my computer monitor so I see one green eye and half the body peeping out at me.
Thanks for loving my chalkware cat!
LaurenRedmond loves this.
AnythingObscure
jscott0363
TassieDevil
Newfld
Toyrebel
racer4four
fortapache
clockerman
Caperkid
@Thomas - LOL
Thanks for loving Mr. Cat!
iggy
ho2cultcha
Manikin
Brunswick
vetraio50
Hunter
Thanks for loving my black cat Vynil33rpm!
Thanks Justanovice and Vynil33rpm!
I love this cool looking black cat, I also have a Asian guy chalkware from universal statuary corp. Chalkware from universal statuary corp are becoming collectable since the company was sold and don't produce chalkware anymore.
Thanks Gonavy! I like it. It sits on my desk and I am looking at it right now. Hopefully someone will get a good deal on it at my estate sale!
Thanks, aura. Belatedly?
So are U and Dave talking about stud fee's yet...lol do cats eat frog's,,,, stay warm and safe...
My chalkware cat has been fixed. I don't need any more little chalkies cluttering up my shelves!
https://askmycats.com/do-cats-eat-frogs/
Not warm but pretty safe. Had to drive home in an ice storm yesterday, but got through the worst part pretty quickly. Weather uncertain this time of year.
lol that must of took awhile to find a vet to fix it much less the cost ....lol well were all glad you made it home safe ... ya we are in the middle of that storm... went out only to the cars in my pj's and flip flops to pull the wiper of the glass other wise in the morning the wife would have a bugger of a time with it cause of that big freeze coming behind it ...ya hoooooo...lol later
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rbW8rbpQ9I