Rare Antique German Victorian Girl with a Basket Vesta Holder & Striker  c1880

This is an original antique German vesta holder and striker from the late 1800's, possibly a fairing. 

Fairing is the name given to pieces of inexpensive china that could be won or bought at Victorian country fairs and are now widely collected as authentic folk art. The fairs of Victorian England were major events where entire communities would take a day out, they consisted of entertainments, sideshows, food and drink, but more importantly they were essentially commercial gatherings for the purchase of livestock and domestic wares. The fairs evolved over time to become the fun-fairs we know today.



The vesta holder and striker is modelled as a young girl appearing to be delving into a basket of fruit and has picked out the last piece them in this basket. The girl is wearing a white cap and apron, a blue dress and shoes. Beside her is a basket to hold the vesta matches, it is draped with a floral cloth and pears to have straps to carry on the back of an adult. The basket weave was designed to be the match striker. The piece is hand painted with gilt accents. There is a chip to the basket. Please study the photos. There are makers marks, I have not identified the maker


The figure is being offered in good used antique condition. It measures approx. 10cm tall by 5.5cm by 7.8cm.


A delightful collectable piece.


Please see pictures for more details.

 

Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!

 

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