The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 20, 2023

Sleeping Cat

early to mid-1800s

Japan, Edo period

(1615-1868)

Porcelain, molded and carved, with overglaze gold and enamels (Hizen ware, Ko-Imari style)

Overall: 9.5 x 14.6 cm (3 3/4 x 5 3/4 in.)

Severance and Greta Millikin Collection 1964.255

Location

not on view

Description

Animal, fowl, and marine subjects became popular scenes on porcelain produced at the beginning of the 18th century from the kilns in the Imari region. Even small figures like this were labor intensive. First, the porcelain form was created and fired. Gold-brown spots of underglaze were added and then the figurine was fired at a high temperature. The final details were added in enamel, and the figure was fired at a reduced temperature.

Provenance
John L. Severance, Cleveland; Severance and Greta Millikin, Cleveland.
Exhibition history

Cleveland Museum of Art (7/5–9/2/1990): “The Severance and Greta Millikin Collection”

Canberra, Australia: National Gallery of Australia (3/10/2001 - 6/11/0201); Perth, Australia: Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth (6/29-9/16/2001) "Monet & Japan" exh. cat. no. 129, p. 200

Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 236); April 19, 2013 - December 24, 2013

The Severance and Greta Millikin Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (July 5-September 2, 1990).

Monet & Japan. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia (organizer) (March 10-June 11, 2001); Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth (June 29-September 16, 2001).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1964.255