ENGLISH STAFFORDSHIRE HAND-PAINTED CERAMIC FIGURAL INKWELLS / PEN HOLDERS, LOT OF SIX, comprising one pair having molded grassy base featuring a boy wearing a blue smock and rabbits, one example depicting a sad boy standing on a tall pedestal and rabbits encircling base, one example featuring a recumbent black-spotted dog with front legs resting on a rabbit, one example depicting a bird with nest in a tree and a snake lurking near the eggs and deceased bird on base, and one example featuring an eagle grasping a snake in talons and three smaller birds below. Marks to underside include two having hand-brushed dots and/or dashes, remaining unmarked. Second/third quarter 19th century. 8 1/4" HOA.
Literature: Boy holding rabbit parallels the Hardings - Victorian Staffordshire Figures, 1835-1875, Book Two, p. 169, fig. 2391.
Provenance: From an Alexandria, VA collection.

Bird with nest and snake undamaged; eagle with snake having radial hairline to back; dog having professional restoration to back leg; each boy in blue smock having professional restoration to base; boy on pillar with rabbits having restoration to break at feet; some having scattered losses to enamel decorations.