Staffordshire Pearlware Pottery Bulldog Stirrup Cup,
Circa 1820

The pearlware pottery stirrup cup is modeled in the form of a bulldog head and sports an orange collar with a gilt buckle. The dog has ears curling over and is painted in a naturalistic brown color. It's mouth is slightly open showing its teeth. There are three original small glazed holes on the rim probably for hanging.

Dimensions: 4 1/4 inches high x 5 1/4 inches wide x 4 3/4 inches (10.80cm high x 13.34cm wide x 12.07cm deep).

Provenance: Elinor Penna (an old paper label described the object and a price of $5,800.00

Condition: Good with a hairline on the interior base which on the exterior is very short- see photos.

Reference:
The Museum of Hounds and Hunting

"Stirrup cups are a hallowed tradition "” and a favorite with riders who participate in foxhunting. These ... receptacles, usually in the form of a fox, stag, dog, or horse's head, are filled with port or sherry and traditionally presented to mounted foxhunters as they wait to set off. This tradition started in the18th and 19th centuries, though the origins go much farther back; Chaucer writes about "parting cups" presented to 14th-century travelers as they set out on pilgrimages to Canterbury.

The 19th century American poet Sidney Lanier wrote a 1877 poem The Stirrup Cup. His parting stanza:

"Time, let not a drop be spilt: Hand me the cup whene'er thou wilt; "˜Tis thy rich stirrup-cup to me; I'll drink it down right smilingly."

(Ref: NY10793-naum)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: line to underside of the cup-see photo

Origin:
United Kingdom

Creator:
Brand: Staffordshire

Materials & Techniques:
Pottery

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; line to underside of the cup-see photo