Fox and monkey
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.
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
Pair of white cats
This is a rare pair of seated cats, approximately 13 ½” tall. They are decorated in bright gold and date to around 1870-1880. Harding Book Two illustrates this impressive pair on page 239.
Tiger and lion
This is a rare figure of a tiger and lion lying in front of a palm tree. Circus acts with wild animals became very popular in England during the 1830s and it is possible that this figure as well as other animal figures commemorated these events.
Lady Godiva
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
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
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
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.
