This lady holding fish in her lap is titled WATER. Sometimes this figure is found untitled, and then I am amused at auction houses' attempts to identify her. A fish wife is the most common dubbing, but it is far from correct.
Staffordshire figure emblematic of Water. Marked SALT. From the stock of Madelena Antiques. H: 6-1/2'.
Why a figure symbolizing Water? Well, Water is one of the Four Elements--as are Earth, Fire, and Air. The potters made all four allegorical figures, possibly as sets, although when found thus today they have usually been united in recent times.
Staffordshire figure emblematic of Air. Marked SALT.
The figure above is emblematic of Air. Like Water, she is marked SALT but she is not titled. You were meant to know your classics in those days!
What of the other Elements? Earth looks as a gardener. Fire is a man holding a magnifying glass and stick of sorts--presumably to concentrate the sun's rays and start a fire. Several potters made very similar figures of each of the Elements from the same molds. Thus, I have illustrated in my book three examples of Fire--same bocages, same molds--yet each one has a different maker's mark on the rear. Walton, Salt, and Dale, and if you would like to see them side by side, flip to page 30 of my must-have book!
What of the other Elements? Earth looks as a gardener. Fire is a man holding a magnifying glass and stick of sorts--presumably to concentrate the sun's rays and start a fire. Several potters made very similar figures of each of the Elements from the same molds. Thus, I have illustrated in my book three examples of Fire--same bocages, same molds--yet each one has a different maker's mark on the rear. Walton, Salt, and Dale, and if you would like to see them side by side, flip to page 30 of my must-have book!
The Four Elements, courtesy of a Collector
What else did the potters make in fours? The Four Seasons, The Four Corners of the Globe (although so far we have only found two of them!), The Four Apostles.... I think that's it.
