English Pottery Pearlware Pair of Figures of Sailors

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Pair of English Pearlware Sailor Figures on Sea Trunk and Barrel, Circa 1820

This charming pair of English pottery figure … Read more Pair of English Pearlware Sailor Figures on Sea Trunk and Barrel, Circa 1820

This charming pair of English pottery figure groups, dating from circa 1820, are delightful examples of early 19th-century folk ceramics. These figures were made from pearlware, a refined earthenware with a slightly bluish-tinted glaze, and were brightly painted in underglaze colors.

Each figure depicts a sailor—a popular subject in British pottery—seated in a contemplative pose, resting his elbow on a large, yellow-banded barrel. The sailor holds a mug of ale in one hand and raises the other to his mouth in a gesture of deep thought. He rests near his sea trunk, with his pipe, tobacco, walking stick, and bag lying at his feet.

The two figures are designed as a balanced, mirrored pair, distinguished by their vibrant, contrasting color schemes:
1. Figure One: Wears a bright ochre-orange jacket and blue trousers.
2. Figure Two: Wears a deep blue jacket and ochre-yellow trousers.

The base of each group is molded and sponged with blue and green to represent a choppy sea or ground, anchoring the whimsical scene.

Dimensions: 7 inches high x 7 inches wide x 3 1/2 inches deep

Condition: Lovely antique condition, with bright colors and excellent detail, consistent with their age.
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Historical Context: Pearlware Figures and the Popular Sailor Archetype

Staffordshire Figures and Pearlware: These sailor figures belong to the tradition of popular figure modeling that flourished in the Staffordshire potteries (and sometimes other centers like Yorkshire) throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They are made from pearlware, a durable, white-bodied ceramic that provided an excellent base for the clear, bright lead glazes and vibrant underglaze colors used to paint the figures. These figurines were inexpensive and widely produced, allowing the emerging middle and working classes to display decorative pieces that reflected contemporary culture and national pride.

The Sailor as a Folk Hero: The sailor figure was one of the most enduring and popular archetypes in British folk ceramics. In the wake of the Napoleonic Wars and during a period of vast naval expansion, the common sailor represented national bravery, adventure, and the maritime strength of Britain. The depiction here captures the sailor in a moment of leisure, enjoying his ale, pipe, and reflecting on his travels, all while resting on his belongings (the sea trunk and barrel), emphasizing his life of travel and simple pleasures. Such figures were widely collected for display on mantelpieces or cabinets, offering a warm, domestic celebration of British life.

(Ref: VM98690) See less