This is a collectible and decorative large antique Staffordshire figurines depicting the Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) and his fancy, Highland Mary (Mary Campbell) (1763 - 1786).
The figurine takes the form of a tall spill vase and it probably dates to around the 1850s - 1860s and it is probably a sparsely coloured Sampson Smith production.
It seems to be a variant of my slightly larger and more highly coloured example. Also listed on my website. This one has less colouring and more delicate colours and the modelling is more simple.
Again, The couple stand in a field of corn. The section where you place long spills or tapers is behind the couple and takes the form of a tall, slender tree trunk (with an orange interior).
Burns is once again shown in his kilt and plaid socks. He wears an uncoloured jacket with a plaid scarf (to match his kilt) draped over his chest. He holds an uncoloured Kilmarnock bonet with a pink feather in his hand. Burns is shown as a young handsome man - much like he is depicted in the famous portrait by Alexander Nasmyth. Highland Mary is wearing a long white skirh and and blouse with puff sleeves. She wears a bodice. All her costime is without colour but decorated with dots of colour. She holds in her hand a book - obviously a book of poems written by Burns. So we are in no doubt who are represented in the Spill Vase - there is a square lozenge below their feet: Burns and His Mary (it has a slight hint of gold gilding and you can just about make out the words).
The spill vase is a nice larger size and would have looked great in bedroom of a Victorian Scottish house.
Condition: This example is in better condition - and is free from any damage or craquelure on the glaze.
There is sticker on the base (put on by a previous owner) This reads: Burns and His Mary Pugh p 498 Fig. 47 Plate 12.
Dimensions. Height is 11 3/4 inches. The width at the widest point is 7 1/2 inches. The depth is 3 3/4 inches.
My price is a fair one for this harder to find model. It takes into consideration the height, the good modelling of the figures and the little condition issues. It is pretty good given it is now 176 years old.
I have taken lots of images for your inspection.
UK Postage will be with Royal Mail (Medium Parcel). This will be applied to your order at the checkout. With all the projecting details in this model we shall take out private insurance for it so that it fully covered against loss or damage in transit.