Large English Staffordshire Pottery Flatback Spill Vase Figural Group of Robin Hood

An antique, Victorian figure group of Robin Hood Little John and a dog flanking a tree form spill vase. A spill is a twist of paper, or sliver of wood, used to transfer a flame from the fireplaces. Matches at the time were very expensive so they were used sparingly.

Staffordshire figures were made from around 1740 to 1900 by various pottery factories in England and Scotland. Most have no maker’s marks. Victorian flatback examples were undecorated on one side because they were designed to sit on a shelf or fireplace mantel and only viewed from the front or sides. Popular subjects included romantic figures, buildings, farm animals, and domestic pets, in particular Queen Victoria’s favored pet, the King Charles Spaniel.