Arbor figurine and zebra ornament, 1850-1880

Made in Staffordshire, England
Molded white earthenware, hand-painted enamel and metallic overglazes

Collecting decorative figurines was a popular pastime in Victorian America. The vast majority of these colorful and inexpensive ceramics were made in small, primitive factories that employed only a handful of workers, many of whom were children. The subjects of their designs ranged from lovers meeting in secluded arbors, to circus animals and even political figures. The arbor figurine seen here belonged at one time to Illinois Governor Shelby M. Cullom, in office from 1876 to 1882.

Arbor figurine: Gift of Catherine Ridgely Brown, Suffield, CT (701880)
Zebra: Gift of Dorothy B. McCumber Estate, Lewistown, IL (745891)

Decoration | Ceramics

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96