Tiny Turks

I have concluded that many--perhaps the vast majority of--Staffordshire figures are one of a pair. Even figures that we think of as stand-alone singles frequently have companions. I have owned the two little Turks below for quite a while. Yes, I knew I should 'release' one onto the market, but I didn't know which to let go. They are both so charming, so they have kept each other company on my shelf.

Recently my too-slow brain made the connection between these Turks and a small female Turk in the collection of a friend.  As you see, they make a close enough pair.  

I am awfully pleased that I held on to both male Turks. Would I have kicked myself if I had parted with this gentleman in the pink jacket!  That being said, I am anything but a purist on pairs. I think many figures were made/painted singly, so I do tolerate minor mismatches.

Small figures make collecting fun. You can learn a lot--and buy a lot--without breaking your piggy bank.  I suspect that the two small figures below may be from the same pot bank, but time will tell. And I have yet to find a companion figure for either.