Bardith Animal Sculptures

This rare and visually striking cat sculpture was created in Staffordshire, England, around 1770, in the tradition of English folk art and Whieldon-style agateware. It is made from s...

A rare early 19th-century English creamware pottery horse, made at St. Anthony's Pottery, circa 1800. This charming figure is hand-painted in mottled gray and black. Vivid orange-red...

This pair of pottery parrots was crafted by the renowned Minton Company in Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1890. These charming figures are inspired by the traditiona...

This large Staffordshire spill vase features a proud stag with a fawn standing on a shaped base. The deer are painted in naturalistic orange/brown. The upper edge of the tree trunk is gilded, and the white base has a fine gilt line. The piece is decorated mainly on the front (see images). Ref, 'Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835-1875' Book 2, by A.& N. Harding, page 243, figure 2911/2912. Dimensions: 11.75" tall x 7.25" long x 2.75" wide Condition: Excellent, with very slight rubbing to the gilt on the top of the tree trunk. Price: $320 Background of Staffordshire Deer...

This beautiful antique Staffordshire cat features white fur spotted with large black spots. Created circa 1860, our cat is decorated with han...

This pottery figure of a horse is sponge decorated in shades of pink and brown. It was made at St. Anthony’s Pottery, located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, between 1800 and 1810. ...

This antique porcelain figure of a leopard is small but ferocius. It is modeled grappling with a piece of meat in its jaws while recumbent on a rocky base that is picked out in green...

This pair of small Chinese Shar Pei puppies was made in the mid-19th century, circa 1860.                They are charming creatures with adorable faces. Th...

These magnificent Chinese temple lions are true works of art, masterfully crafted with incredible attention to detail. The bulging eyes, sharp ears, open mouth, and fluttering mane are expertly rendered, creating a pair of stunning creatures that are truly alive with energy and movement. The expressive faces of these lions are captivating, and the fact that they are a "true" pair, meaning a male and a female facing each other, adds to the sense of interaction and action. These lions are made of stoneware and painted in the traditional Chinese sancai three-color glaze on a light brown ground; dating to the late Qing period, they are covered in rich green, blue, and amber glazes. The intricate detailing and rich colors are breathtaking, making these lions a treasure. Temple lions, also known as lion dogs, are celebrated for their auspicious symbolism. They are believed to protect the peace and prosperity of one's home. These lions are beautiful works of art that bring good luck and prosperity to the homes they are placed in. Dimensions: 17" Height x 16" Length x 6 1/2" Depth. Condition: Excellent Price: $5,800 Background of Chinese Temple Lions: Chinese guardian lions...

This expressive pair of hand-painted faience lions was made in France at the Lunéville factory circa 1830. Each lion is boldly modeled with a stylized mane, furrowed brow, and wide eyes, lending them a theatrical and slightly whimsical presence. Their seated posture, with front paws raised and bodies taut, recalls traditional guardian figures, yet their coloration and sculptural treatment are distinctly French. The vibrant ochre and slate-blue glazes, accented with red, black, and white, enliven the lions with character. The lions are raised on green faux-marble rectangular bases, giving them a sense of grandeur. These large faience figures embody the imaginative and decorative spirit of early 19th-century French ceramics. Dimensions: 18" x 8.5" x 14.5" tall Condition: Excellent Price: $4,600 Decoration: Hand-painted in ochre, slate-blue, pink, black, and white glazes Material: Tin-glazed earthenware (faience) Style: Folk Art / Decorative French Ceramics Origin: Luneville...

This rare and charming pair of 18th-century French creamware lions was made circa 1790. Each lion reclines atop a tall rectangular base decorated with rich cobalt-blue swags, bright yellow tassels, and vivid green trim. The forms are bold and expressive. The lions' open mouths are painted in soft pink, and their manes are rendered in vibrant yellow and lined with dark brown, lending them an animated, almost theatrical presence. The lions rest on what appear to be stylized, draped cushions, adding a sense of comfort and reality. Their wide-eyed expressions and exaggerated features give the pair a whimsical character that blends elegance with humor—a hallmark of late 18th-century French design. Unmarked but unmistakably French in style, these figures make a striking decorative statement. Whether placed on a mantel or console, they command attention and offer a playful counterpoint to more serious classical forms. Dimensions: 6.5 inches tall x 6.75 inches long x 4.5 inches wide Condition: Excellent Price: $2,300 Decoration: Painted in yellow, cobalt, green, pink, and brown with molded drapery and tassel detail Material: Creamware pottery Style: French Neoclassical with Folk Art elements Origin: France Date: Circa 1790 Key Features - Rare pair of large 18th-century creamware lion figures - Expressive hand-painted decoration with bold color contrasts - Tall bases decorated with molded and painted swags and tassels - French origin, circa 1790 - Whimsical and animated expressions add charm and visual interest Background of creamware Creamware is the name given to a type of earthenware pottery initially made from white clays from Dorset and Devonshire combined with an amount of calcined flint. Creamware was first produced in England sometime before 1740. Foremost among the pioneers of creamware in the Staffordshire Potteries was Thomas Whieldon. The young Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Thomas Whieldon from 1754 to 1759. When Wedgwood left to set up his own business, he immediately directed his efforts to developing creamware. Around the same time, in the mid-18th century, French potters developed their creamware known in France as "Faience Fine...