Wood cat carving. Recognize the artist by any chance?

Ive picked up lots of great stuff recently but I love this little cat. $2 find at a thrift store. Such a cool look IMO. Anyone recognize the artist? Almost looks like there may be faint initials on a foot. Possibly “EB” but I may be seeing things. I believe I found another by the same artist in an image search. Not only is the face/neck similar but it shows a pinned on tail. Mine obviously lacks a tail which is kind of odd and kind of why it looks cool. This would explain it. There doesn’t seem to be an obvious hole where the tails pin would have gone but it could have just closed up over time and been small to begin with. Hoping I may be able to attribute it someone but I’ll love it either way. It seems to have a decent amount of age on it.






This person is asking $240 which seems quite high to me but who knows.

 

I don't see anything similar,your cat is flat plane carved like this.. http://woodsculpturevintage.com/rar...-cat-wooden-sculpture-art-vintage-japan-c944/ .

 

Looks like someone was trying to copy Laurel Burch.

 

I just knew I had seen that face before!! Thanks, Pat!

 

There are a couple of towns in like WY and Montana that have numerous carvers. They use a dark heavy looking wood and 'chunkie' carving technique. I've had a couple of similar pieces and the artists bought back their work. It has been a while and my memory isn't very good but I think I sold them a woodchuck, puma and bison. Sorry I can't be more help.
Patd

 

I think it is charming, and agree, some kind of folk carving. I am across the pond, so can be of no help.

 

Interesting, why do you think they bought it back? Did they have a small output?

ting

 

I also thought it looked familiar but I don't know LBs work thAt I recall.

 

She started on the streets of SF in the 60s. Started by selling jewelry.
Made it big, Macy's, Emporium, Nordstorm, before opening her own line of boutiques. Later expanded to other products.
Her wood animals:
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=laurel+burch+balsa+wood+figure&FORM=HDRSC2

 

Cool, thanks for the quick education. I've probably seen some of her stuff without really noticing. It's nice but not really my style. Little too shiny, I like the rustic version if it is indeed inspired by her work.

r