pair of antique Staffordshire King Charles spaniels

Although no one knows who made the first Staffordshire dog, the starting point was certainly a dog celebrity: Dash, Queen Victoria’s closest childhood companion, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

True ceramic Staffordshire dogs were produced in the Staffordshire region of England beginning in the 19th century. These figurines typically depict pairs of seated dogs, often King Charles Spaniels or similar breeds, with distinctive facial features and brightly painted coats. Staffordshire dogs were popular decorative items in Victorian households, symbolizing loyalty, fidelity, and domestic bliss. They were often displayed on mantelpieces or in cabinet displays as charming ornaments.

An absolutely gorgeous example of a classic pottery style, this regal dog has all the right hallmarks: softly aged gilding, incredible painted details with feather-like strokes, beautiful crazing, identical colour of glazing on top and underside, and an approximately pea-sized air release pinhole. Sourced from a brocante in Marseille. 

Sold as a pair. 

dimensions: 8.5"W x 6.5"D x 9"H