Staffordshire pottery spill vase of a cavalier and his loyal dog, circa 1870

During the Victorian era spill vases were containers specifically used to store 'spills' - thin wood sticks or rolled paper - used to transfer fire from the fireplace to candles or a pipe. Normally placed on the mantlepiece, these decorative vases were a real status symbol for the bourgeoisie of the time. This plumed cavalier is ready to go on a hunt with his loyal, quintessentially Staffordshire red-and-white  spaniel.

 43 cm high

(damages and repairs)

Fabric swatch: Stacked Pots in Mandarin by Galbraith & Paul.