Pair of Antique English Staffordshire Dogs With Sponge Decoration, C. 1840–1860

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Description

A charming pair of antique English Staffordshire dogs in the classic seated pose with expressive faces and long, soft ears. … Read more A charming pair of antique English Staffordshire dogs in the classic seated pose with expressive faces and long, soft ears. Each figure is hand-decorated with black sponge-painted markings over a creamy white glaze, accented with painted facial features and yellow collars. The dogs rest on shaped bases and display surface variation characteristic of early Staffordshire pottery. Subtle differences between the two reflect handwork and individual firing rather than later factory uniformity, lending the pair warmth and personality when displayed together.
At 4 inches high, these dogs are an ideal scale for mantel, shelf, or bookcase display and offer strong decorative presence without overwhelming a space. Staffordshire dogs of this size and form have long been favorites with collectors and designers alike.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE
Staffordshire dogs were produced in England throughout the 19th century as popular mantel ornaments, often symbolizing loyalty, refinement, and domestic prosperity. Many examples were modeled after toy spaniels — particularly the King Charles spaniel — a breed closely associated with Victorian taste and royal patronage. The long, pendulous ears and seated posture seen here align with that tradition. Earlier examples, such as this pair, are distinguished by sponge-applied decoration, expressive yet slightly naïve modeling, and visible hand-finishing details. The presence of vent holes, uneven bases, and varied surface texture supports mid-19th-century manufacture, prior to later Victorian standardization and 20th-century revival production.

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