Ceramic Arts Studio Betty Harrington Design Kitten Washing 1 3/4" Figurine 1949-1956

ITEM DESCRIPTION

This charming vintage Ceramic Arts Studio “Kitten Washing” figurine was designed by Betty Harrington for Ceramic Arts Studio of Madison, Wisconsin. Measuring approximately 1 3/4" tall, the little kitten is captured in an adorable grooming pose with one front leg extended and its head turned downward.

The kitten is finished in a creamy ivory glaze with beautiful hand-painted details. It has striking blue eyes with long black eyelashes, a tiny pink nose and pink inner ears. A soft blue bow at the back adds a wonderful touch of color and personality.

This Ceramic Arts Studio piece comes from an exceptional lifetime collection of well over 1,000 pieces, including figurines, salt & pepper shakers, head vases, and other Ceramic Arts Studio designs. Carefully assembled over many years, the collection represents an extraordinary gathering of Ceramic Arts Studio pieces. We were very fortunate to acquire more than 500 pieces from this collection and make them available to our buyers.

ITEM CONDITION

This figurine appears to be in very nice vintage condition. From the photographs provided, I do not see any obvious chips, cracks, or repairs. The underside retains the Ceramic Arts Studio marking. Please review all photographs carefully as they are an important part of the condition description.

ITEM DETAILS

Maker: Ceramic Arts Studio
Designer: Betty Harrington
Design: Kitten Washing
Color: Ivory, Blue, Pink & Black
Height: Approximately 1 3/4"
Date: 1949-1956
Material: Glazed ceramic
Made In: Madison, Wisconsin, USA

DESIGNER HISTORY

Betty Harrington began designing for Ceramic Arts Studio in the early 1940s and became the designer most closely associated with the company. During her approximately 14 years with the Studio, Harrington created more than 800 designs, including people, animals, storybook characters, dancers, and other imaginative figures.

PATTERN & DESIGN

Kitten Washing is a delightful example of Betty Harrington's whimsical small animal designs for Ceramic Arts Studio. The grooming pose, curved tail, extended paw, and tilted head give this tiny kitten an especially animated and endearing personality.

The hand-painted facial details are particularly appealing, with brilliant blue eyes, exaggerated black eyelashes, a tiny pink nose, and pink ears. The soft blue bow provides a lovely contrast against the creamy ivory body.

At only approximately 1 3/4" tall, this is a wonderfully detailed miniature Ceramic Arts Studio animal figurine and a charming addition to a Betty Harrington or Ceramic Arts Studio collection.

This measures 1 3/4" High x 2 1/8" Wide base. I have provided many pictures to best describe the condition of this Figurine.