Antique Staffordshire Harvest Maiden Figural

Recently arrived in shop from a devoted collector in England, we are pleased to offer this wonderfully pastoral Antique Staffordshire Harvest Maiden with her lush bounty of flowing grain. This colorful figurine is hand-painted on the front surface in a palette of soft tones, in pretty contrast to brighter shades on her jaunty tartan sash.

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.

Middle class Victorians prized a well-decorated, layered home with many textures and patterns. In a style that we might consider fussy or overdone today, more was always more for the Victorians on both sides of the Atlantic. Colorful figurines adorned their fireplace mantels, art pottery and transferware lined plate racks and sideboards in their dining rooms and every surface boasted vases, ornaments and other curiosities of the day.

In the 20th century serious collectors began to appreciate the charms of these Staffordshire figurines, which have become prized for their naïve painting style and timeless presence. With a rapid production process and desire to offer decor at a price affordable for more families, costs were reduced by leaving the rear of the figurine intentionally undecorated.

With a sweeping swath of ripened grain held aloft in full, detailed relief on the front, the rear side of this noble maiden was cast in a flat-back style for ease in fitting upon a more shallow mantel or shelf. Bringing a sense of endless bounty and youthful promise to every setting, this beautiful Staffordshire original promises to be a wonderful addition to any collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1850s. In original antique condition. 8.25"H x 3.5"W.