What are ceramic horse figurines?

These pieces are moulded and hand-painted sculptural representations of horses and riders produced across various centuries. They range from utilitarian earthenware figures to museum-quality ancient pottery.

How old are these figures?

The selection spans from pre-sixteenth century Chinese pottery to nineteenth-century Victorian Staffordshire and early twentieth-century European ceramics. Most items originate from the Victorian period between 1800 and 1900.

Where were Staffordshire figures displayed?

Victorian flatback figures were specifically designed for display on mantelpieces and high shelves. Their unglazed flat backs allowed them to sit flush against cottage walls. This placement made them prominent decorative elements in nineteenth-century homes.

How do I identify a flatback?

Turn the piece around to check the rear surface, which is typically flat and minimally finished compared to the detailed front. This method was standard for Staffordshire manufacturers. It distinguishes mantelpiece ornaments from figures modelled fully in the round.