What periods do these ceramic horses cover?

The selection spans a vast chronological range, from ancient Han and Tang dynasty tomb figures to nineteenth-century Staffordshire pieces and early twentieth-century art pottery. Victorian examples dominate the domestic side of the offerings, whilst Asian and Middle Eastern pieces represent much older ceramic traditions.

How were Staffordshire figures displayed?

Makers designed flatback figures to sit safely on mantelpieces, shelves, or chests of drawers where viewers would only see the front and sides. Wall brackets moulded as horse heads were mounted directly onto walls to support small objects. Domestic figures served as decorative parlour ornaments that demonstrated topical interests or patriotic sentiments to visitors.

What is the difference between earthenware and porcelain horses?

Earthenware is a porous, lower-fired ceramic body that requires glazes to achieve impermeability, as seen in traditional Staffordshire figures and terracotta tomb models. Porcelain uses refined white clay fired at much higher temperatures, resulting in a denser, non-porous material. Porcelain figures often exhibit finer detail and smoother surfaces than standard earthenware bodies.