Antique Standing Staffordshire Pekingese Dogs in Rust Red and White, a Pair

A pair of antique Staffordshire dogs adds instant charm to a shelf or mantel, and these two have plenty of it. Modelled standing in creamy white, they wear rich rust red coats and manes with a pretty blue bow painted at each chest, their faces hand painted with real character. They stand on neat rectangular bases and, like all these mantel dogs, were made to be shown together as a companionable pair. The standing pose is a little less usual than the familiar seated dogs, which gives this pair extra interest.

Each measures 18.5 x 22 x 9 cm, a manageable size for a shelf, a windowsill or a dresser. The painted detail is in good order, bright and well kept, and the fine crazing across the glaze is entirely normal for pottery of this age and adds to the character. There is some discolouration, most visible on the backs, in keeping with their years, and one dog has a hairline crack to a front paw, all shown clearly in the photographs so you can see exactly what you are buying.

Staffordshire dogs have been made in the English potteries since the 1800s and are among the most collected and recognisable pieces of English pottery. The rust red and white colouring with hand painted detail is a classic and much loved look, and an antique pair with genuine age carries a warmth and character that newer versions never quite match.

Stand them at either end of a mantel or shelf, flank a clock or a stack of books, or set them on a dresser or side table for a hit of country cottage character. They look wonderful against painted walls, wood and blue and white china, picking up the blue of their little bows. A charming antique pair to keep or to give, full of personality and history.