Antique Staffordshire Pastoral Couple Figurine Pair
Antique Staffordshire Pastoral Couple Figurine Pair
$325.00
From a lifelong collector in England, we are pleased to offer this wonderful Antique Staffordshire Pastoral Couple Figurine Pair. Depicted in colorful country attire and hand-painted with a cheerful, palette of soft, bright primary colors, each of the figurines is featured in a sweet gesture and pose. In postures and expression of young love that would have been familiar to Victorians of the day from advertising, stereograph cards and the detailed illustrations accompanying popular serial novels, the pair promises to bring their hopeful optimism to any setting.
Middle class Victorians loved a colorful home. There's no denying it and there's no other way to explain the typical Victorian decor: colorful figurines adorned their fireplace mantels, transferware dishes lined plate racks and sideboards in their dining rooms and on every table stood figures, animals, vases, and other ornaments. More was always more for the Victorians - on both sides of the Atlantic.
With the creation of wealth from the Industrial Revolution, the production of Staffordshire figurines exploded in the early 1800s to meet the demand of the middle-class Victorians. The vast majority of these decorative, hand-painted figurines were produced by the Staffordshire potteries to imitate the much more expensive Meissen and Nymphenburg figurines being produced on the continent and found in the homes of the upper-class.
In the pottery factories of Victorian England, experienced decorators worked on higher-end porcelain, while laborers considered unskilled (typically women and children), painted the colorful Staffordshire figurines. They were painted at a more rapid pace and freely with the result being a folk-art quality that adds to their undeniable appeal.
It wasn't until the 20th century that serious collectors began to appreciate the charms of Staffordshire figurines. Whether it's dogs and cats, farm animals, elephants or zebras, politicians of the day, members of the royal family, famous crime figures or everyday folk, there is a Staffordshire figure for any collector's interest.
With a fresh and timeless presence, this lovely pair of figurines would have graced a corner etagere, fireplace mantel, curio cabinet or lady's vanity. A charming addition to any existing collection or the perfect starting point to begin the lifelong joy of collecting!
Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1850s. In original condition with areas of flaking and paint loss as seen in the alternate images. Each figurine measures 6.25"H x 2.75"W.