What are 19th century staffordshire ornaments?

These pieces are ceramic figures and animals produced in pottery workshops during the Victorian period for domestic decoration. Collectors find everything from portrait figures of historical personages to symmetrical pairs of dogs placed on mantelpieces.

How were spill vases used?

Spill vases combined a decorative pottery figure with an integrated hollow cylinder designed to hold wooden matches. Victorian households used these matches, known as spills, to transfer flames from the fireplace hearth to candles and lamps.

How do I identify flatback figures?

Flatback figures feature detailed modelling on the front while the reverse side remains largely unpainted and flat. This construction allowed the ornaments to sit securely on narrow fireplace mantels where full round sculpture would take up too much space.

What animals appear most often?

Dogs represent the most common animal form, particularly seated spaniels, poodles, greyhounds, pugs and whippets. Potters also produced lions, deer, sheep, swans and the occasional cat or exotic beast.