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Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers Pair Stoneware Grotesque Andirons
About the Item
A rare and important pair of stoneware grotesque amphibious creature andirons by Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers dating from the mid 1870’s. The heavily made andirons portray two grotesque amphibious creatures crouching on their hind limbs and bound back to back by a blue band. The creatures stand on a large rectangular stepped plinth base and are decorated in shades of ochre and blue, one slightly darker glazed than the other. Both have incised makers marks the edge of the plinth bases.
Provenance: Acquired directly from a private US Collection. For a similar pair, see Bonhams, Decorative Arts from 1960, 26th November 2013. Lot 3.
This pair of unrecorded figural andirons, are amongst the most unusual pieces of Martinware and are believed to have been completed as a private commission during the mid-1870s. These scarce and curious objects foreshadow the inception of the iconic ‘Wally Bird’ design and demonstrate an early foray into the grotesque. Depicting quasi-human, semi-amphibious creatures crouching awkwardly and shackled together across the torso, the objects appear to satirise the human struggles of subjugation and exploitation.
In very good presentable condition with customary firing imperfections. There is some professional restoration to some of the corners but appears to be quite minor.
- Creator:Robert Wallace Martin (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 9.65 in (24.5 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Arts and Crafts (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-1870s
- Condition:Repaired: Minor professional repairs to some of the corners on the bases. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Bishop's Stortford, GB
- Reference Number:
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Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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