Staffordshire pottery bocage figure group of the Pig Tithe early 19th century

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£1850

Dated: 1820 Staffordshire England

Antique English pottery pearlware bocage figure is known as the Tithe Pig Group. This charming satirical figure has very decorative and rare bocage with a beautifully decorated base. The piece is the work known as the Patriot Group of figures. The figure depicts Farmer Hob ( holding a pig )and his wife (cradling a newborn child in her arms) meeting the local vicar. The church rented land, and the common practice was to levy a "tithe" on a portion of the farmers produce as part of the rent. This practice was very tough on the poor, and there was a national feeling that it should be abolished. The group captures the moment when Hob's wife offers the baby as part of their tithe and states "If you do not take the child there will no handing over of the pig". Hence the rather startled expression on the clergyman's face. The practice of imposing a tithe eventually diminished and was replaced by other devices such as ground rent.

Dimensions: 7.5 inches high, 7.25 inches wide, 4 inches long

Current Condition: Restored staff, basket handle, cracks at branches and some enamels re-touched.

Provenance: Previously with Leonard Russell, the Staffordshire pottery dealer of Newhaven England.

Literature: Page 246 Volume 2 Myrna Schkolne definitive reference work titled Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840 and published by Schiffer.

£1850    $2497

Description

Antique English pottery pearlware bocage figure is known as the Tithe Pig Group.
This charming satirical figure has very decorative and rare bocage with a beautifully decorated base. The piece is the work known as the Patriot Group of figures.
The figure depicts Farmer Hob ( holding a pig )and his wife (cradling a newborn child in her arms) meeting the local vicar. The church rented land, and the common practice was to levy a “tithe” on a portion of the farmers produce as part of the rent. This practice was very tough on the poor, and there was a national feeling that it should be abolished. The group captures the moment when Hob’s wife offers the baby as part of their tithe and states “If you do not take the child there will no handing over of the pig”. Hence the rather startled expression on the clergyman’s face. The practice of imposing a tithe eventually diminished and was replaced by other devices such as ground rent.

Additional information

Dimensions 4 × 7.25 × 7.5 in