Antique Staffordshire Figure Creamware Spring Maiden in Wood Style Glazes c1780

Antique Staffordshire Creamware Spring Maiden Figure with Flower Basket DESCRIPTION : This Small figure of a Maiden with a basket of fresh-cut flowers represents the Season Spring. DATE: Early, circa 1780 SIZE : 4.5″H x 2″ W ACQUIRED : In 2006, from a distinguished UK Dealer specializing in Staffordshire figures REFERENCES: Halfpenny, Pat, English Earthenware Figures 1740-1840 p. 99 model of the Spring Maiden Seller’s Note: F igures of the four seasons were a recurring theme in Staffordshire pottery throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Both male and female characters were depicted for any season, and with different artists and factories. The flower basket should denote Spring and the Fruit basket or cornucopia, Summer. The flower basket is sometimes described as Summer in different references. MOULDING: This early creamware figure is very well potted, in the Wood family style, and in very good original condition with professional restoration to a small area on the backside above the foot rim. There is one nibble to the curls in her hair and some tiny flea bites to the foot rim. These bites do not detract from the beauty of the figure.The figure is hollow, open to the underside. There is an abundance of detail everywhere; from the maiden’s hair, face, fingers, and flower blossoms to the folds, ruffles and draping of the shawl she wears. The fabric is delicately wrapped around the entire figure. The maiden has bare feet and shoulders with her right arm covering her bosom, emphasizing the innocence of the figure. There is a tight firing hairline behind the right leg and a tiny firing hole next to the flowers in front. COLOURING : This figure is coloured in the round with the lovely translucent glazes characteristic of the Wood Family Burslem product of this era. The colours are bold, with decorations in green, yellow ochre and manganese brown in contrast with the lovely white of the creamware. We see some crazing as would be expected in a figure over 200 years old. NOTE TO BIDDERS : This is a lovely documented antique figure from a private collection. Please take time to carefully view and magnify the photographs provided. I have described these figures to the best of my ability, including all notes received from the previous dealer. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. FAST AND FREE SHIPPING TO UNITED STATES : We ship USPS Priority Mail (2-5 days) to buyers in lower 48 states USA. Our free shipping includes insurance, tracking. NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING SAFE DOUBLE PACKAGING : We carefully bubble-wrap and double-box all antique pottery for safe transit. Each package is insured for the full purchase price. Please retain these boxes and bubble-wrap in case you should choose to return this item. RETURNS : All returns must be sent back at the Buyer’s expense, in the same manner; via USPS Priority Mail (1-4 days) with full purchase price insurance and tracking. If you decide to return this antique item, for whatever reason, please notify me within five calendar days via email of your intent to return. Please note, all returns must be sent within 30 days of receipt by the buyer. Please refer to the section titled “Returns” at the top of this listing for more information.