A Rare Staffordshire Pottery Figure Group of Politos Menagerie (Sherratt) circa 1825

Stock No: HC0418

Height:  13.5 Inches / 34 cm

Reference: Myrna Schkolne Staffordshire Figures 1780 to 1840 Vol 3, Page 13, Fig 112.6 (Similar)

Price: POA*

One of the most celebrated of all Staffordshire pearlware figure groups is this early 19th-century Polito’s Menagerie. This figure is fabulous and highly detailed with all the spectacle of the traveling show, there are monkeys, birds, a lion, an elephant, a tiger, and a female trumpeter winding a hurdy-gurdy with a monkey on top. There are several other musicians standing at the entrance playing their instruments while visitors descend the steps. It is believed that the lady standing by the door is Mrs. Polito, whose job it was to take the entrance fees to the spectacular and exotic array of beasts and birds comprising the menagerie. The banner across the top of the figure reads “POLITOS ROYAL MENAGERIE OF THE WONDERFUL BURDS AND BEASTS FROM MOST PARTS OF THE WORLD.” This spectacular figure is the larger table base version with claw feet, it is attributed to the famous potter Obadiah Sherratt. Wonderfully decorated in a variety of over-glaze enamels, it was made in Staffordshire, England around c1825.

Current Condition: Professionally restored, age-related ware.

Provenance: Retains original dealer label of Oliver Sutton Antiques. From the Herbert and Nancy Hunt Collection

* No import duty for US customers