Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

Did cleanliness approached godliness in ancient times? Staffordshire figures portraying Hygeia, the ancient Greek godess of health, cleanliness and sanitation, support this. Hygeia was associated with the prevention of illness and maintaining good health. Of course, the word "hygiene" is derived from her name.

In classical sculpture, Hygeia often holds a large snake (the symbol of medicine--Aesculapius, the god of Medicine, was Hygeia's father). Her other symbol is a water basin. The cult of Hygeia started in around 600 BCE and became 'hot' around 400 BCE because of the spread of plague. By 100 CE temples to Hygeia were established in Rome.

Classical subjects were favorites for Staffordshire potters from the late 18thC onward, so, of course, we find Hygeia formed as a Staffordshire figure.  Examples of this pearlware figure can be 'tired' looking, so it is rewarding to wait for a figure with good enamels atop a nice glaze, such as the example on the left. A fine example just requires a little patience--but it brings a lifetime of pleasure.

Hygeia also occurs with a bocage, but as such it is extremely rare. If you want this, good luck trying to find it, especially with original bocage intact.