Early Staffordshire Pearlware Figurine of Hope Leaning on her Anchor

THE STORY - This figurine which would I believe date to circa 1830 from one of the Staffordshire Potteries is a representation of 'Hope', as she leans upon her anchor. I love the naive painting of her face when her dark eyes, rosy cheeks and almost rosebud mouth. Her head is turned looking up to the heavens whilst one arm bends round to clasp the anchor whilst the other is raised to her head. She stands upon a round base with a combination of naturalistic grass mouldings and stylised seashells along the edge, She stands strongly with her two feet appearing from her beautifully decorated dress. And the anchor just on its own was a sign of hope for many period during this period, often when loved ones went to sea, be it for war or for commerce, the women would be left waiting hoping for their safe return. But indeed it is possible that this Figurine once sat with two companions each a representation of Faith, Hope and Charity from the Bible.

AGE - Cica 1830

CONDITION - The figurine is in good condition, the only chip that I can see is on the rim of the base at the front under the central shell which is best seen in the seventh photo. There is some flaking of the paint to the figure which I hope you can see from the photos. This is mainly to the top and back of the figurine with a couple of spots on her arm. On her face I think it is dirt rather than paint flakes, although I have to say for me it adds to the beauty of her face as there are three tiny dots under one eye and one above her mouth which makes it look more bee stung, and there is a mark on one of her cheeks which is I think a spot where the paint has flaked.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Height 8" / 20cm, Width 3&1/2" / 9cm, Depth 3&1/4" / 8cm

So there is my 'Hope'. I have to say I do wonder if she was originally bought by someone whose loved one was travelling over seas and I guess if I am honest it would probably of been in a position of a sailor on board a Clipper or a Seaman with the Navy, as I think this figurine would not of been acquired by a member of either the Upper or the Middle Classes of England. And maybe she was put on the window sill looking out hoping at any moment to see that Loved One walk past and knock on the door. But I have to say I could just sit and look at that face all day and marvel at it's simple beauty.