Royal Doulton | Kitten DA123 | Ginger | Colin Melbourne | 1990–1999

A small figure that asks very little of a shelf and gives rather more back than it has any right to.

This model forms part of the later Royal Doulton animal figure range, produced from 1990 and designed by Colin Melbourne, whose work also appears under the Beswick name. The seated kitten was issued in several colourways, with the ginger variant among the more naturalistic and visually appealing.

The figure is modelled seated, the head turned slightly upward and to the left, the tail curled to the right side of the body. The colouring is a warm ginger and cream, with deeper reddish-brown tones across the back, flanks, and tail, softening to cream at the chest and muzzle. The eyes are finely painted in blue-green, with a red-pink nose and lightly defined mouth.

The base carries the printed Royal Doulton lion and crown mark reading “Made in England Royal Doulton England,” with a painter’s mark to the right.

There are no chips, cracks, or restoration. The gloss remains intact throughout. The piece is in excellent condition.

Key details

• Maker: Royal Doulton
• Model: DA123 — Kitten, Ginger
• Designer: Colin Melbourne
• Issued: 1990–1999
• Finish: Glazed
• Height: 8 cm
• Weight: 69 g
• Backstamp: Royal Doulton lion and crown; painter’s mark present
• Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, or restoration

The best animal figures hold their pose without effort — as though the kitten simply sat down one morning and never moved again.