What are Staffordshire flatback figures?

Staffordshire flatbacks are ceramic ornaments shaped with a detailed front and a flat reverse designed to sit on a mantelpiece against a wall. Potters produced these figures to depict royalty, theatrical characters, animals and historical events during the Victorian period.

How were spill vases used?

Spill vases combined a decorative ceramic animal or figure with an integrated hollow tube designed to hold thin wooden spills. Household members pulled these wooden tapers from the vase to transfer flames from the fireplace to candles or lamps.

How do I identify nineteenth-century pieces?

Nineteenth-century earthenware ornaments display characteristic hand-painted enamel colours over lead glazes and typical Victorian subject matter. Weight, crazing in the ceramic glaze and the modelling style of figures such as poodles or portrait subjects help confirm the period.

Where were these ornaments displayed?

Victorian households placed these ceramic figures on mantelpieces, sideboards and parlor tables to display current tastes and interests. Pairs of dogs, lions and sheep were arranged symmetrically to decorate living spaces.