A Chinese bronze gilded cat with pearl eyes on a wooden base, Early 20th century

Bronze casting has a long history in China, dating back to ancient times, and was traditionally used to create ritual vessels, sculptures, and other decorative objects.

The depiction of a cat, a symbol of good fortune and protection in Chinese culture, further enhances the significance of this sculpture. Cats were often depicted in Chinese art as guardians of the home and bringers of luck, making them popular subjects for decorative objects during this period.