Porcelain Stirrup Cup from Royal Staffordshire, 1820

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Description

A rare antique porcelain stirrup cup, created by Royal Staffordshire, England, in the 19th century. This finely crafted piece takes … Read more A rare antique porcelain stirrup cup, created by Royal Staffordshire, England, in the 19th century. This finely crafted piece takes the form of a fox's head, with its ears laid back, modeled in relief with a highly detailed and lifelike depiction of the fox's features. The base is adorned with hand-painted green vine leaves and purple grapes, adding to its elegant design. The bright colors and intricate details make this piece particularly special.

Stirrup cups date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They were a traditional drinking vessel presented to riders on horseback either before setting off on a hunt or upon returning home, while their feet remained in the stirrups. Due to their association with hunting, many stirrup cups feature fox, stag, dog or horse heads as their bases. These cups were designed to be comfortable to hold and small in capacity, allowing the contents to be consumed quickly.

Stirrup cups were especially popular gifts among the upper classes, given to those who enjoyed hunting. Ceramic stirrup cups began to be produced around the 1770s, particularly in Staffordshire, one of England's major centers for ceramic production. Finding original stirrup cups from the 18th and early 19th centuries is incredibly rare, as few have survived over time.

Royal Staffordshire Pottery is celebrated for its rich and fascinating history. Established in 1793 in Longport, Stoke-on-Trent, it became a major pottery during the Industrial Revolution. The company gained international fame for its blue and white transferware designs. Over time, it introduced innovative styles such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and produced commemorative ware for significant events, including royal coronations and weddings.

The key features of Staffordshire pottery include durability, intricate hand-painted designs and high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece remains both functional and collectible for generations.

Length: 12.5 cm

Condition: No visible signs of damage or restoration; excellent antique condition.

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