Adams & Bromley Pony Majolica Tooth Pick Holder c.1875. Very rare.

Length: 13cm (5 inches)

Modelled as a recumbent pony on grass in front of a container to hold toothpicks formed from leaves and grass, all upon a circular platform base.

Very rare, I have never seen another example of this piece. 

Many companies that produced Majolica manufactured toothpick holders which were made specifically for the export market. Toothpick holders were especially popular in the US. There was great pressure for these companies to create new and interesting designs for all sort of majolica 'fancies' to interest their wholesale buyers. During the 1870's-1890's, Stoke On Trent, the centre of Victorian British Pottery manufacture was said to overrun by Foreign trade buyers fighting to obtain the latest new designs.

Adams & Bromley were never lacking in coming up with fresh and interesting designs to feed the home market and Export market fashion for all things 'Majolica'. 

Adams & Bromley majolica is excellent quality. They produced a wide range of Majolica with titles such as 'Pineapple', 'Water Lily', 'Apple & Pears' and 'Corn'.

Their modelling is crisp and glazes very bright. When Adams & Bromley majolica pieces are grouped together, they form a very cohesive and decorative collection.

Adams & Bromley Majolica pieces look especially good displayed together. 

For more information on Adams & Bromley Majolica see 'Majolica Mania' Bard Graduate Centre NY, (Curatorial Advisor Nick Boston), pages 186-209