Description: This is a 1989 redware figurine glazed with a brown background color and black or dark brown highlights. The piece is in the shape of a dog or a cat (Terri thinks it’s a dog and I believe it to be a cat) sitting down with his front legs stretched to the front and his tail up. The animal has a face showing details of mouth, eyes, nostrils, ears, and a mustache or sort of bushy whiskers staring behind the muzzle and extending down to the neck. The dog is sitting on a flat platform with pinched edges all around. The figurine is rather large in size measuring ~6" long, ~2 7/8" at its widest, and weighs one pound and one ounce. This beautiful glazed redware figurine was made at the Breininger pottery. This beautiful piece was made as toy or a decorative accent. Please see photo to appreciate the beautiful design and colors. The bottom of the piece is marked as to the maker and the date the piece was made. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description. 

Date: 1989. 

Origin: Robesonia, Berks County, Pennsylvania. 

Size: The piece measures ~6" long, ~2 7/8" at its widest, and is ~~3 3/8" at its highest (to the top of the ears). The piece weighs 1 pound and 1 ounce. 

Maker: Lester Breininger.

Marks: Marked "BREININGER POTTERY 1989 PA" incised in block letters on the bottom. 

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a very nice early Breininger piece with a typical Pennsylvania Dutch shape and look made by at the studios of a master potter with the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Needless to say, Mr. Breininger has passed away in December 2011 and pottery made by him has become highly desirable. 

Condition: The Cat is in very good condition with no cracks, no repairs, no chips, or hairlines. The piece shows crazing to the glaze, which is a bit hard to see due to its coloration. The piece also has some of the normal defects you would expect in a piece of primitive pottery of this type such as spots where the glaze did not fully flow, pops, slubs, and surface roughness. A spot of roughness above the animal's right hind leg can be found. Other than that, this particular piece has a minimum of additional issues. A solid and intact piece which would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.