STAFFORDSHIRE FORTUNE TELLER FIGURINE. It depicts two women in flowing dresses surrounded by an abundant grape-vined arbor, a common design element in Staffordshire pieces of the era. The older woman is a gypsy palm reader foretelling the future of a seated young maiden who has taken a break from playing her lute. Her distinctive blue shoes are particularly charming and indicate that if additional colors or details were present, they have since worn away. The figurine is titled below the women’s feet, “FORTUNE TELLER”. Perhaps the little child behind the fortune teller is who she sees in her client’s future. It measures 12 1/2 inches tall by 9 1/8 inches wide by approximately 3 inches deep. There are 6’spaghetti’ textured flowers around the arbor and both ladies’ eyebrows deserve a Zoom! The “H” mark underneath is likely that of the decorator or a workshop identifier rather than a formal pottery mark because most Staffordshire figurines of this period were unmarked. The flat back lacking decoration is also typical for ease of display on a narrow mantle or similar tight spot. Considering the size, subject rarity, and age of at least 144 years old, the chips to both noses are minor condition issues easy to overlook. This piece has not been restored nor has the hand painting been touched up. I like these ladies just the way they are since those blue shoes are everything! Please inspect all of the photos to see exactly what you will receive. Check out other uncommon items from three generations of our family as we downsize. There is still much to unpack and I list something new every day. OUR LISTINGS FEATURE ONLY WELL-CARED-FOR ITEMS THAT BELONGED TO US OR OUR FAMILIES. OCCASIONALLY, WE LIST ITEMS FOR OUR FRIENDS IF THEY’RE REALLY INTERESTING. WE RESPOND QUICKLY TO MESSAGES. NO QUESTION IS TOO SMALL & IS ALWAYS WORTH ASKING. YOU ARE ONLY CHARGED FOR THE ACTUAL PACKED BOX WEIGHT, SIZE, DESTINATION, & ADDITIONAL POSTAL SERVICES. WE USE RECYCLED, CLEAN PACKING MATERIAL & BOXES WHENEVER POSSIBLE. ANYTHING ELSE NECESSARY IS PROVIDED AT OUR EXPENSE. BUYERS MUST PAY WITHIN 5 DAYS OR THE SALE IS CANCELLED & THE ITEM RELISTED. WE SPEND A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF TIME PROVIDING YOU WITH AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ABOUT EACH ITEM. WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS BUT OUR PHOTOS ARE WELL-LIT, DETAILED, AND NUMEROUS. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO EXAMINE EACH ONE CLOSELY & READ THE ENTIRE ITEM DESCRIPTION. WE WELCOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR CORRECTIONS ABOUT ANY OF OUR LISTINGS IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT. WE DO NOT SELL ITEMS ON APPROVAL. WE ARE BLESSED WITH TOO MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS TO ENJOY IN ONE LIFETIME & ARE PROUD TO SHARE THEM WITH NEW FRIENDS.
