Sculpture, Townsend Ceramics, White Persian Cat on Heart Pillow, Artist Signed Ann Townsend, Hand Painted, USA, Vintage, 1971

She has been lying on that yellow pillow since 1971, and she shows no sign of moving.

This is one of the most lifelike ceramic cat sculptures you will ever encounter — a white Persian rendered in hand-painted porcelain bisque with a level of detail that stops people in their tracks. The fur has texture. The pillow has tufting. The expression is exactly right: serene, slightly superior, utterly at home. She is large, substantial, and commanding — at 12 inches long and 8.25 inches tall, she owns whatever shelf, mantle, or cabinet she occupies.

This piece is signed and dated in ink under the glaze — The Townsends 1971 — with the copyright symbol and what appears to be a mold number MLhi on the base. Cork disks protect the base. Some Townsend pieces have sold at auction for $300 to over $800. At $150 with free shipping, this is a serious collector's find.

Three very minor chips in the cat's fur — barely visible, entirely acceptable on a piece of this age and delicacy, and photographed thoroughly for your review.

Townsend Ceramics & Glass Inc. was founded in Titusville, Florida in 1969 by Ann Townsend, an Alaskan-born artist who began her career painting fine china and designing Alaskan jewelry before pivoting to the ceramic animal figurines that made her name. Each piece began as an original sculpture by Ann herself — a mold was then made, and every piece produced from that mold was hand-painted individually, making each one subtly unique. The company's animal sculptures are now among the most sought-after pieces in American studio ceramics, beloved for their extraordinary realism and the warmth that comes through in every piece Ann Townsend touched.

• Artist / Maker: Townsend Ceramics & Glass Inc., Titusville, FL
• Signed: The Townsends 1971 in ink under glaze + copyright symbol
• Vintage: 1971
• Dimensions: 8.25" tall | 12.0" long | 11.5" wide
• Material: Ceramic, hand-painted
• Shipping: Free shipping included — Continental US only
• Condition: Very good vintage condition. Three very minor chips in cat's fur — not conspicuous, photographed thoroughly. Please review all photos carefully — we cannot accept returns.