Very Rare Antique Large Staffordshire Flatback ‘The Grape Harvesters’, c1850
Here on offer is a very rare antique large Staffordshire flatback ‘The Grape Harvesters’, c1850.
Earthenware flatbacks and figurines for mantelpiece decoration were first produced in Staffordshire in the 1830s. Production continued throughout the Victorian period and into the early 20th century. During their heyday they were produced in vast numbers usually modelled after popular prints.
Here is a particularly large and fine example of a Staffordshire flatback. This figure group is often called ‘The Grape Harvesters’. It depicts a romanticised view of a courting couple, they are standing beside a jardinière containing a fruiting vine. The young women has a basket of freshly harvested grapes. The enamelled decoration has been well executed by a skilled artisan. The detail is delightful, especially the faces and the fine detailing to the clothing. The flatback has gilt accents throughout.
There is some loss to the enamel to the gents hair and boots and the ladies hair. The gaze has crazed as you would expect. At the back and also down the gents leg, there is what are possibly hairline cracks rather than a dark stained line to the crazing. There are no chips or restoration.
This figure is from c1850, it is not a more modern version.
The piece measures approx. 43.5cm tall by 26cm by 9cm. A rare collectable piece.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition which complement this description .
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