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Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers Pair Stoneware Grotesque Andirons
$36,031.21per set
£26,500per set
€30,936.11per set
CA$49,887.80per set
A$54,219.47per set
CHF 29,056.68per set
MX$658,320.73per set
NOK 364,789.03per set
SEK 338,286.39per set
DKK 231,054.63per set
About the Item
A rare and important pair of stoneware grotesque amphibious creature andirons by Robert Wallace Martin for Martin Brothers dating from the mid 1870’s.
This pair of unrecorded figural andirons, are amongst the most unusual pieces of Martinware and are believed to have been completed as a private commission during the mid-1870s. These scarce and curious objects foreshadow the inception of the iconic ‘Wally Bird’ design and demonstrate an early foray into the grotesque. Depicting quasi-human, semi-amphibious creatures crouching awkwardly and shackled together across the torso, the objects appear to satirize the human struggles of subjugation and exploitation.
The heavily made andirons portray two grotesque amphibious creatures crouching on their hind limbs and bound back to back by a blue band. The creatures stand on a large rectangular stepped plinth base and are decorated in shades of ochre and blue, one slightly darker glazed than the other. Both have incised makers marks the edge of the plinth bases.
Provenance: Acquired directly from a private US Collection. For a similar pair, see Bonhams, Decorative Arts from 1960, 26th November 2013. Lot 3.
In very good presentable condition with customary firing imperfections. There is some professional restoration to some of the corners but appears to be minor.
- Creator:Martin Brothers (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 9.65 in (24.5 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Arts and Crafts (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1875
- Condition:Repaired: There is some professional restoration to some of the corners but appears to be minor. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Bishop s Stortford, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DA219251stDibs: LU1328245766832
About the Seller
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Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts
Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers
Associations
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Bishop s Stortford, United Kingdom
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