Miniature Chamberlain's Worcester TOY Dog Biscuit Porcelain Poodle with Lion Clip Circa 1830s AF

We are excited to offer this very, very scarce and tiny figure of a poodle dog that was produced in England around the 1830s period by Chamberlain & Co of Worcester, England. This tiny porcelain figure is TOY size. Toy wares were made by porcelain manufacturers as a luxury item for adults, not for children. It showcased their skill at producing porcelain items in a minuscule scale.

The very intelligent poodle breed dates back to at least the 1500s, being mentioned by Gessner in the year 1524. The breed likely originated in either France or Germany. It was originally used with unclipped fur as a gun-dog used in duck hunting. Later references refer to it as being shaved except for the head and tail, then later clipped with large scissors to imitate a Lion (Lion Clip). The idea behind the shaving/clipping was to allow quicker drying after being in the water. In later centuries their intelligence was noted and they soon appeared in dance troops and entertainment shows. Catherine The Great was given a poodle that sat at the Court table. They soon became favorites as domestic pets.

This toy figure is modelled as a Poodle dog standing on a mound, such a cute little figure with his or her Lion shave. This style of unglazed, white biscuit porcelain was popular in England during the first quarter of the 19th century (not to be confused with later Victorian Bisque or Parian).

This example was produced by the prestigious Chamberlain Worcester factory and features an unglazed base with impressed manufacturers mark under a completely closed-in base reading ‘CHAMBERLAINS.’

Chamberlains were manufacturers of porcelain at Worcester, England from 1788 to 1852. They sold their fine porcelain to wealthy customers such as Prince of Orange in 1796 and Lord Nelson in 1802. The company gained the Royal Warrant in 1807. The prince Regent was a regular customer.

This is the perfect item for anyone who collects early English porcelain, in particular someone who loves dogs, or poodles! This is a rare opportunity to own a sought after figure by one of the best porcelain manufactures.

Reference: Page 44 plate 50b and page 45 in ‘Dogs In English Porcelain of the 19th century’ by Dennis G. Rice. Also see the Royal Collection as a more common biscuit toy poodle with basket in mouth is owned by King Charles.

Measuring: Width 1 7/8 inch (5 cm) by height 1 5/8 inch (4 cm).

Condition: Small section of loss to applied shredded porcelain fur on right ear and also to the leaf of central flower.

Item id: TA15308