This is a fine decorator's piece - it takes the form of a large Staffordshire style pottery lion. It is slightly larger than my other seated grey lion that I have in my store. I also have a russet example on my site - but the grey one is much rarer.
It seems that my lion was made at Bo'ness Pottery and dates to around 1900. He looks like he may have been made at a Staffordshire Pottery - but he was made in Central Scotland. I have also listed him under Staffordshire for interested people - but he is a MacLion!
This Bo'ness lion is shown recumbent, lying down with all his front paws crossed in front of his body and his long tail wrapped around his rump. He is a rarer grey-coloured one - you more often find them in a russet shade. He still has lots of his original gold detailing his fur - it is rare to find such amount of gold gilding still present. I have photographed this for your inspection. He sits on an oval base with painted brown and green foliage. The whole model is covered in a shiny clear glaze. He is certainly King of the Beasts!
The model has a kiln-firing hole on his back and a larger one on the base, all as photographed. He is rather primitive in form and making - but this is all part of his charm.
He dates to the late 19th century, probably about the 1900s - and still has his original glass eyes.
He is a genuine antique figurine - and NOT a reproduction piece.
Mr Lion is in pretty good antique condition and looks fabulous on display. Please, inspect all my images to assess full condition.
He is a great model and looks fabulous in any interior - modern or classic. Originally a pair of these lions would be placed on a Victorian hearth - echoing the spaniels that would have sat on the mantlepiece. He is listed at a fair price.
The width at the widest point is 13inches. The height is 9 3/4 inches and the depth is 5 1/2 inches. Unpacked Mr Lion weighs 1.7 kg
HISTORY: In the 18th century, Bo’ness was one of the most thriving towns on the east coast and ranked as the third port in Scotland. Among the town's many thriving industries was pottery production and Bo'ness soon became established as one of the main pottery-producing areas in the country.
Pottery production in the town lasted for almost 200 years. It reached its heyday at the end of the 19th century when three factories were operating simultaneously at Bo'ness, Grangepans, and Bridgeness. The last pottery closed as recently as 1958.
Due to its size and weight I will have to send to you with Parcelforce24. This would be applied to your order at the checkout.