Figure of the month

Fox and monkey

J&S Mottashed Collection
August 2022

What an interesting figure of a fox and monkey, 4 3/4” tall.  The figure is rare and probably represents one of Aesop’s Fables called “The Fox and the Monkey”. 

It is circa 1840, partially painted in the round, and has a solid base.  Other Aesop’s Fables’ Staffordshire figures with foxes can be found in Harding Book Two, pages 339-340, figures 3346 D, E and F.

J&S Mottashed Collection

The story of “The Fox and the Monkey” from Aesop’s Fables
One day Monkey dances for all the animals. His dancing is so entertaining, the animals make him King. Only Fox is not impressed. She comes across a hunter’s trap set with meat and tricks Monkey into believing she has discovered a bountiful feast in the forest, ready for him to claim for the animals. As soon as Monkey sees the meat he greedily pounces on it, trapping his paw. Angry and in pain, Monkey blames Fox for deceiving him, but Monkey’s selfishness and naivity is just more proof to Fox that Monkey is not fit to be King. “A ruler needs many talents,” says Fox.

More Figures of the month

Lady Godiva

March 2023

This is a rare figure portraying Lady Godiva seated sidesaddle on horseback.  The figure is titled “Lady Godiva” and is decorated in the manner of the Parr factory, with soft yellow, green, and brown brushstrokes.

Lost Piece

February 2023

This is an early Staffordshire figure of a woman standing on a grassy pedestal, with a coin in her extended hand.  The figure is titled “Lost Piece” and represents the biblical verses found in Luke 15:8-10.

William Shakespeare

January 2023

This is a gilt script titled figure of William Shakespeare with his right arm resting on a book atop a pedestal.  Next to the pedestal is a sloped watch holder with a clock face painted inside, sitting atop a tree decorated with grapes.

Children on Saint Bernard dogs

December 2022

This is a very rare pair of children seated sideways on Saint Bernards.  More common figures have the children laying down or seated facing forward.  Others have the rear arms moulded into the figures, instead of being separately moulded as these are.  These figures are approximately 10” tall and date to around 1840-1850. 

King of Sardinia

November 2022

This is a rare figure of Victor Emmanuel II, the King of Sardinia and later the first King of Italy.  The figure is titled with gold accented raised capitals, stands approximately 12 3/4” tall, and dates to about 1855.  It is probably a Crimean war figure, with Emmanuel being shown in military uniform. 

Bluebeard and Fatima

October 2022

This is a rare figure of Bluebeard and Fatima, approximately 12 1/2” tall, dating to 1858. Bluebeard is easily recognized with his blue beard. He stands upright with a knife in his right hand and left hand on his hip. Fatima is kneeling before Bluebeard with eyes cast upward toward him, hands folded in a prayer-like position.

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