Pair of Large Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Lions With Glass Eyes, C. 1880–1900

Details

Description

A wonderfully expressive pair of large antique Staffordshire pottery lions, English, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900.

Modeled … Read more A wonderfully expressive pair of large antique Staffordshire pottery lions, English, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900.

Modeled as an opposing pair, the lions feature the distinctive naïve character associated with Victorian Staffordshire animal figures. Each is finished in a warm russet-brown and creamy white glaze with sculpted manes and tails, hand-painted facial details, and inset glass eyes.

Their wonderfully eccentric expressions are a particular highlight. Painted eyebrows, whiskers, noses and open mouths accented in red and yellow give each lion an individual personality. Subtle variations between the two figures reflect their hand-finished decoration and add considerably to the charm of the pair.

At approximately 13 inches long and 10 inches high each, these are substantial Staffordshire figures with excellent decorative presence. Their scale makes them particularly effective displayed together on a mantel, console, library table or bookcase.
The hollow pottery construction includes firing/vent holes, and the undersides of the feet are largely unglazed. No maker’s marks observed.

Dimensions — Each:
13” L × 10” H × 5” D

Origin: England
Period: Victorian / Late 19th Century
Date: Circa 1880–1900
Materials: Glazed pottery, inset glass eyes


Sold as: Pair

Condition:

Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. Overall glaze crazing is present, along with scattered areas of glaze and painted-surface wear, particularly around the feet and extremities. One lion exhibits a small reddish-brown pigment irregularity above the eyebrow, which appears consistent with the original hand-painted decoration and manufacture. Additional minor discoloration, surface irregularities and variations in the hand-painted decoration are present, all contributing to the character of these late-19th-century pieces. Please review photographs closely as part of the condition description. See less