Antique Victorian Staffordshire Spaniel Dogs Amber Glass Eyes England C1880 Pair

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Description

A matched pair of late-Victorian Staffordshire spaniel mantel figures, England, circa 1870–1890, modelled as seated dogs in hollow glazed earthenware. … Read more A matched pair of late-Victorian Staffordshire spaniel mantel figures, England, circa 1870–1890, modelled as seated dogs in hollow glazed earthenware. Each figure is formed in two press-moulded sections with visible joining seams, a closed recessed base with unglazed foot rim, and a small firing vent associated with the hollow construction.

The figures are distinguished by applied amber-brown glass eyes with dark pupils, retained intact on both dogs. Their slightly individual placement and expression complement the hand-finished character of the pair. The faces are further articulated with black-painted noses and reddish-orange mouth details, while individually painted accents define features of the modelling.

The white-glazed bodies display deeply moulded feathering through the ears, chest, flanks and legs. Surviving gilt and gold-lustre decoration remains across portions of the coats and details, now substantially softened through natural age-related fading and wear. Extensive irregular crazing and craquelure extends across the glaze, contributing considerable surface texture to the nineteenth-century bodies.

Both figures remain intact as complete forms, with no restoration observed. One dog has a stable hairline across the tail area and a further stable hairline at the ear; the companion has a stable hairline extending along the back. These areas do not appear to penetrate completely through the ceramic bodies. The combination of substantial hollow construction, moulded feathering, applied glass eyes, hand-painted details, firing features and naturally aged surfaces is consistent with Victorian Staffordshire production of the period.

Measurements: Approximately 11 in H each, 4.5" W and 4.5" D

Style: Victorian, Traditional English, English Country, Grandmillennial

Origin: Staffordshire, England

Age: Circa 1870–1890 See less