Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

It is not often that I see a figure form that I have never seen before. That's why I was excited to see this rare gem, now  on Hiscock and Shepherd's site.

Horses of this form are typically Pratt Ware and most are usually without a rider. Also, the horse is NOT usually formed in two parts, as is the case here. And I have never seen a topper astride a horse. The little fellow looks pleasantly inebriated. All in all, a charming, whimsical piece of work.

As a reminder, here is the common-or-garden version of this horse.

Hard to be certain from a picture, but I think that the base color on John Shepherd's horse is also Pratt, or underglaze. But the rest of the colors are enamel.  If you want to know more, ask him yourself. Hiscock and Shepherd Antiques.