What are Staffordshire spaniels?

Staffordshire spaniels are ceramic figurines modelled on the King Charles spaniel, traditionally produced in pairs to sit upon household mantelpieces. Potters in England manufactured them extensively during the nineteenth century as decorative ornaments for middle-class interiors.

How were these spaniels displayed?

Owners typically placed them symmetrically on either end of a mantelpiece, facing inward toward one another. They served as domestic comforters, bringing a sense of order and companionship to the Victorian hearth.

What is a spill vase?

A spill vase is a hollow cylindrical attachment integrated into the figure behind the dog. Households used these holders to store thin wooden matches or paper spills required for lighting candles, lamps, and fires.

How do I identify Victorian pieces?

Victorian pieces are identified by their earthenware bodies, lead glazes, and hand-painted or sponge-applied colour markings. Stylistic markers include distinct facial expressions, painted chains, and variations in height from standard mantelpiece figures to larger models.

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Pair of Ceramic Spaniels

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These pair of ceramic spaniels are the quintessential fireside mantelpiece ornaments, prized for their symmetrical charm and Victorian domestic character.