Staffordshire Pottery 'Elephant of Siam' Spill Vase

Victorian, circa 1860. 6.7ins high, 6.1ins wide, 3ins depth. Staffordshire Pottery castle with a theatrical and literary theme which features an elephant rescuing a boy from the window of a clock tower, stood on a shaped base.

Multi-coloured with underglaze blue version. Dull gilt base line and embellishment. Flatback, decorated mainly to the front.

This piece represents 'The elephant of Siam' - An Indian drama, first performed in 1829. It is the first known drama to use a live elephant on stage. In this scene, the elephant rescues Prince Almansor from his captors.

Book reference ,'Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835-1875' Book 1, by A.& N. Harding, page 313, figure 1146.

Condition

CONDITION: Very good. No restoration. Small, shallow chip to lower base edge, on the right hand side.

Minor paint losses to elephant's trunk.

KILN EFFECTS: a few small specks of kiln grit caught in the glaze to the front and reverse.

 

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