Just the most Incredible Antique Recumbent Lion from I think the Imagination of the Victorian Potter

THE STORY - Of course it was the incredible naive charm of this dear Lion that immediately grabbed my heart. I think it is quite possible that whoever created this wonderful figurine had never actually seen a Lion! They may have heard about them from accounts of travellers to Africa or India or from people who saw shows like George Wombwell's (1777-1850) large travelling Animal Shows (which included Lions), but this dear chap, is I think the creation of what the potter thought a lion should look like. The Lion would I believe date to the beginning of Victoria's reign circa 1840, glazed in the most wonderful honey coloured treacle glaze and looks like it was made from a mould, and as you can see is hollow inside. As is often the case he is unmarked, so it is impossible to be certain which pottery it came from, it may well be he is from a Scottish pottery as they certainly are known for their examples of Treacle Ware but it could also be from a Staffordshire Pottery. But I have to say his face is absolutely wonderful with those round eyes, slightly furrowed brow and strong mouth, a mixture of concern and strength. He lays recumbent upon a rocky oval base with his tail falling over and it looks like through his back legs with his front feet hanging over the front of the base. His mane hangs down low under his chin but higher on the face, and is styled perfectly to frame splendidly that wonderful face but appearing to cover up his ears. And he is a lovely size measuring approx 6" in width by 4&1/4" in height making him small enough to be put on a shelf with others but large enough to have quite an impact.

AGE - Circa 1840

CONDITION - I have to say he is in very good condition with no chips or cracks that I can see. I do want to point out that I think my photos have darkened the tone of his treacle glaze and in reality he is a lot more 'honey' coloured with I think the most representative photo being the 5th one.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Width 6" / 15cm, Height 4&1/4" / 11cm, Depth 3&1/4" / 8.5cm

I can only imagine the immense amount of pleasure this dear little fellow has given people over the many years he really is an incredible little piece of history from a time when the world and all its mysteries were very much less known to us than they are today. And he is for me completely endearing a real treasure.