Antique Victorian Staffordshire Porcelain Novelty Snuff Flask Figurine, 1850

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Modelled as a jovial seated gentleman with outstretched legs, this miniature novelty container functions as a figural snuff flask or … Read more Modelled as a jovial seated gentleman with outstretched legs, this miniature novelty container functions as a figural snuff flask or scent pot. The figure wears an apple-green frock coat over a pink neck bow and an intricately patterned waistcoat painted in iron-red and blue chevron strokes. He holds a rectangular trough filled with simulated dark snuff granules before him, caught in the act of dipping in his hand alongside a miniature white clay pipe. The character's wide-brimmed white hat, accented with a golden-yellow band and gilt rim, serves as the vessel's removable stopper. It retains an original cork sleeve that fits neatly into the hollow opening concealed within the crown of the head. When seated in place, the hat integrates cleanly with the sculpted grey hair beneath. Produced in England during the mid-Victorian period, around 1850, this type of novelty porcelain was favoured as a charming fireside curio or portable tobacco novelty. The white body is glazed with a soft gloss finish, accented throughout with delicate overglaze enamels and hand-applied gilt highlights to the cuffs, collar, and hat brim. The piece measures approximately 7 cm in height and spans 7 cm across the feet, making it an engaging small-scale display object. The underside and base are unmarked, which is characteristic of miniature Staffordshire decorative wares of the era. See less