This charming fellow is an English porcelain stirrup cup in the form of a large hound's head. He is very detailed including naturalistically modelled features, white and black markings, recessed eyelids, a red mouth, wispy whiskers and ears extending down on each side. Around the neck is a gold banded collar to simulate brass.
"The exact origin of the 'stirrup cup', or 'parting cup', is unknown.
However it seems tied to fox hunting when men gathering for the hunt on a cool morning would enjoy a drink as they departed. As the cups were handed by servants to the riders for a parting good luck drink, there was no need for a foot to the vessel. The earliest were in silver known as 'tot cups' and date as early as 1670, the ceramic the mask or head cups dating from c1770.The drink traditionally was port or sherry, sometimes brandy."


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good condition, one small firing flaw on inside bottom.

Origin:
United Kingdom

Creator:
Brand: Staffordshire

Materials & Techniques:
Porcelain

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very good condition, one small firing flaw on inside bottom.