Late 19th Century English Staffordshire Glass-Eyed Spaniel Mantel Dog

Details

Description

A late nineteenth-century English Staffordshire pottery mantel figure modelled as a seated King Charles-type spaniel, circa 1880–1900. The hollow moulded … Read more A late nineteenth-century English Staffordshire pottery mantel figure modelled as a seated King Charles-type spaniel, circa 1880–1900. The hollow moulded earthenware body is formed with a large irregular opening to the underside and a rough unglazed foot rim, construction characteristics consistent with Victorian Staffordshire figure production.

The dog is modelled with a broad chest, deeply articulated feathering through the coat, separately defined forelegs and a curled tail. The white to cream glazed ground is enriched with hand-applied brown and rust-coloured shading, with black-painted details defining the nose and mouth. Remnants of gilt survive on the collar and pendant or locket.

Particularly notable are the inserted glass eyes, retained from the original construction. One glass eye has a small chip or loss along its lower edge. The eyes remain an important period construction detail and are left in their present state.

The underside differs materially from later twentieth-century revival examples, with its broad irregular opening and unfinished foot treatment reflecting the utilitarian hollow construction of the body. The combination of open base, moulded shaggy coat, hand-applied decoration, surviving gilt and inserted glass eyes supports a late Victorian Staffordshire attribution.



Measurements: 8 in H × 4 in W × 8 in D

Weight: 1.15 lb

Style: Victorian, English Traditional, Staffordshire

Origin: Staffordshire, England

Age: Circa 1880–1900 See less