Antique Staffordshire pearlware bocage group of the Tithe Pig made in early 19th century English.

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£1950

Dated: 1820 Staffordshire

Antique English pottery pearlware bocage figure is known as the Tythe Pig Group. This charming satirical figure has a very decorative holly type bocage with a red, white, and blue rococo feature on the green base. The figure is from the "Patriot" group and one of the best examples of its type. The figure depicts Farmer Hob ( holding a pig ) and his wife (holding newborn child) meeting the local vicar. The church rented land, and the common practice was to levy a "tythe" as part of the rent. This practice was very tough on the poor, and there was a national feeling to abolish. The group captures the moment when Hob's wife offers the baby as part of their produce and states, "If you do not take the child, there will be no handing over of the pig," hence the somewhat startled expression on the clergyman's face. The practice of imposing a tythe diminished and replaced by other devices such as ground rent.

Dimensions: 8.5 inches high, 7.5 inches wide, 3 inches long

Current Condition: Professional restoration to basket handle, chip at the sheaf of corn, some leaves and enamels re-touched.

Provenance: Retains label of Smithers Collection. Birkett Collection London

Literature: Myrna Schkolne book, People Passions, Pastimes and Pleasures. Staffordshire Figures 1810-35. Volume 2 Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840 page 246 figure ref.108.6 Several figures of similar Tythe Pig Groups are illustrated in chapter 31 titled TITHING.

£1950    $2632

Description

Antique English pottery pearlware bocage figure is known as the Tythe Pig Group.
This charming satirical figure has a very decorative holly type bocage with a red, white, and blue rococo feature on the green base. The figure is from the “Patriot” group and one of the best examples of its type.

The figure depicts Farmer Hob ( holding a pig ) and his wife (holding newborn child) meeting the local vicar. The church rented land, and the common practice was to levy a “tythe” as part of the rent. This practice was very tough on the poor, and there was a national feeling to abolish. The group captures the moment when Hob’s wife offers the baby as part of their produce and states, “If you do not take the child, there will be no handing over of the pig,” hence the somewhat startled expression on the clergyman’s face. The practice of imposing a tythe diminished and replaced by other devices such as ground rent.

Additional information

Dimensions 3 × 7.5 × 8.5 in