Product Description:

An exceptionally rare and eye-catching pair of Staffordshire Spaniels by William Kent, featuring an unusual twist: instead of traditional flower baskets, these dogs carry handbag-shaped green floral baskets, delicately painted and full of charm. It’s a rarely seen detail, even among Kent’s creations, that makes this pair truly distinctive.

Crafted around the 1940s–50s, these figures show the hallmarks of William Kent’s recognisable style: expressive faces, bold hand-painted details, and a finely crackled glaze that gives the surface a softly aged look. Over time, this intentional crazing has developed gentle variations in tone, with lines appearing in both white and pale grey, subtly enhancing the antique character. This effect, found across many pieces by the Kent factory, is part of what makes their Staffordshire figures so full of personality.

William Kent, a respected Staffordshire manufacturer established in 1894, produced expressive ceramic figures including dogs, cats, and flat-back ornaments until 1962. The company’s work is increasingly appreciated for its individuality, warmth, and decorative appeal.

Whether placed on a mantelpiece, hearth, or shelf, this rare pair brings warmth, history, and a quiet touch of British eccentricity to any space.

Key Features:

• Rare pair of vintage Staffordshire Spaniels by William Kent
• Unusual green handbag-style floral baskets
• Hand-painted with expressive facial features, soft reddish-brown patches, and green baskets filled with delicately painted flowers
• Finished with a finely crazed glaze showing soft white and grey tones over time
• Backstamp reads “Staffordshire Ware, Kent, Made in England” with a Staffordshire Knot emblem
• Estimated production: c.1940s–1950s
• Made in Staffordshire, England, a distinctive part of Kent’s enduring legacy

Size:

(H) 22cm

(W) 18cm

(D) 13cm

Condition:

Both dogs are in very good vintage condition. The left-hand figure has a couple of small surface specks above the chain and a tiny area of paint loss on one eyebrow, both minor and easily missed in display. The glaze, surface detail, and overall presentation are beautifully preserved. Each figure is stamped on the back with the William Kent mark.