A MEISSEN PORCELAIN FIGURE OF A CAT CIRCA 1740-45

modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler, with a patchy grey and white coat and yellow eyes, seated on a flat grassy base holding a mouse in its teeth.

The Collection of Henry Stern, New Orleans, sold, Christie's, New York, April 23, 1998, lot 215

The mouse with restoration to its two right legs and the tail, and the right paw tips possibly rechipped. The cat in good condition apart from a 1/8-in. restored chip to the edge of its right ear. The base with chips to the green enamel: ¼-inch (6-mm.) at the back left side, 2-mm. under the join of the tail to the body, two 3-mm. and one 4-mm. chip on the front right side, and other 1-mm. enamel chips in other places
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Kändler's work records for September 1736 state: "2 Stck Kleine Katzgen aufs Lager in Thon poussiert, davon eine sitzend, die andere aber, wie sie eine Maus im Moule hat, vorgestellt ist." [2 pieces small cats modeled in clay in the storehouse, of which one is seated, but the other is represented with a mouse in the mouth.]