Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840

'Tis the season to give gifts, and as I was browsing the web this past weekend, I was struck by some of the lovely items Madelena has in stock. There truly is something for every pocket. I did a double-take when I came across a cow that I thought I had on my shelf!

Top one is Madelena's; the bottome one is mine. Aren't they remarkable similar?  I have had mine for ages and ages, and, although I am not big on cows, I love this example.  I have never seen another--so if you like it, grab it. 

On the cow theme, I noticed this unusual cow, also in Madelena's stock. 

This is a rare cow model, and I have only two others like it  in my archive. By some huge co-incidence, all are on the market. One is currently in the stock of Castle Antiques.

And the other is in the stock of John Howard.

John's cow has the same base as Madelena's but John's was made without a bocage.  You see quite a few other instances of figures made with or without bocages. This is far from uncommon.
If you prefer sheep, who could resist this perky fella, again in the stock of Madelena. All that eye make-up made me think this might be an ewe, but the big horns say otherwise. Very, very pretty, is it not?

But if you want something more ferocious, Madlena has these lions.

These lions were made by Wood & Caldwell or by Enoch Wood. They are after the rather dog-like lion made by John Bacon for Heaton Hall, Manchester, in the 18thC. Now you can have your own pair, without the upkeep of a stately home.

The best things are meant to come in small parcels, and this pair of figures is really tiny, at about 3" each.

Teensy figures are quite rare as, understandably, most have been simply tossed over time. Their primitive naivete is so appealing. I can't think when last I have seen a pair for sale.

Still with Madelena, how about this rare dog? I have one other like this in my archive, and the bocage is totally restored. Not a pretty sight! This pooch is in original condition.

Is that base and bocage not lovely. I am so tempted....

As I wade through my archive to work on my book, I constantly am reminded of how rare fine figures have become. As a result, when all else seems to be collapsing...the euro, the Dow Jones, housing prices, job prospects.....early pottery is more than holding up. And so it should be. They are not making any more!!  Life is short, so don't hesitate to buy yourself a gift too this holiday season. Remember that when you buy pottery you are not spending money. Instead you are just transferring your assets from one medium to another.