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Thursday, December 4, 2014

PIGS ON TRANSFERWARE FOR CHILDREN

Child's 7 inch alphabet plate; "P/ Pig, Pigeon, Pins"
 
I was told a long time ago that pigs aren't common on transferware patterns.  That said, they certainly appear often on patterns intended for children.  For example, the pig is often used to illustrate the letter "P."

"P For The Pigs Who Are Eating All Day" child's mug

On its own, the pig is a recognizable and loved farm animal or as a character in a story.  I just watched "Charlotte's Web" (2006 movie version) with my four year old granddaughter, and I can attest to the fact that she loves Wilbur (the humble pig).  Of course, 19th century children wouldn't have been familiar with E.B. White's masterpiece, but they would have known "The Three Little Pigs."

"Pig" child's mug

"Pig Feeding" 2.6 inch mug
Toy plate, 3 inches.   Here, a man walks a pig (perhaps to market). There is a rope around the hind foot of the pig, and the man carries a stick. I imagine he is afraid of getting bitten.  The rope probably hobbles the pig.

Pigs also star in humorous patterns.

"Pig Race" child's plate. This is a humorous scene with pigs instead of horses and monkeys instead of jockeys. The grandstand is full of animal spectators.


Child's 7.25 inch alphabet plate with five pigs wearing clothes.  They look like a family going on their Sunday walk.

"Eggs and Bacon" mug.  It looks as if the pig will eat the eggs before he is made into bacon!

And, nursery rhymes!

"Tom The Piper's Son" 7.5 inch plate, maker unknown

Pigs are a popular staple of children's pottery and stories.   I know the little 21st century girls grooming the pig below would love one of the plates or mugs seen here (I have asked).   Nineteenth century children definitely did!

Two children groom a pig


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