Seated Figure, Royal Prussian Iron Foundry, Gleiwitz, cast iron

Seated Figure

Royal Prussian Iron Foundry, Gleiwitz

About 1800

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Heavy vase with a barrel shape that tapers in towards the base of the form. The exterior is decorated with impressed bands that begin a third of the way down the form that vary in dimension, gradually diminishing as they continue downward. The body's exterior is primarily an off-white/beige stoneware with darker areas that are rust brown in color. The body is covered in a glaze that gives the stoneware an almost gray cast. This glaze is not even and at several points is interrupted, creating a splotchy effect. The tapered part of the form is primarily rust brown in color, with some lighter, almost orange or tan parts to it. The impressed bands continue once the tapering ends. The bottom of the base is rust brown with a dark tan/mustard center. The lip of the vase extends out from the form towards the center, approximately 2.2 cm. Its outer edge is primarily a dark tan/mustard color that transitions to a rust brown and then a cooler brown. The vase's interior is an irregular dark green color with white lines that correspond in location with some of the exterior's impressed bands.
Obverse: Head in profile left. Reverse: In the center a lyre with laurel branches.
Bust in profile left.
Soft-paste porcelain figure of a so-called "Mansion House Dwarf" or "Dwarf Crier" standing in full figure on a round, grassy base and wearing black trousers and shoes, pink vest with floral motifs, a brown waist band, blue sleeves and stockings, and a large Dutch cap with upturned brim, ribbons and gold highlights, the underside in purple lustre and with an advertising newsprint on the up turned brim of the hat advertising farm implements.