Pair of water buffalos with boys 1745 - 1755

This pair of earthenware water buffaloes, each with a small boy riding on its back, is a charming example of Whieldon type pottery from the mid-18th century. The buffalos are realistically modeled and have a colorful glaze, featuring brown, blue, and white tones. This whimsical style reflects the popularity of Chinese export porcelain in England at the time. These figures would have been decorative objects for a domestic setting, reflecting the growing interest in exotic subjects among the English elite.